Secant looks a Star in opener

Secant Star marked himself out as a live Triumph Hurdle prospect with an impressive victory in the opener at Gowran Park today.

Willie Mullins' charge was a faller, when looking set to score, on his debut at Leopardstown and made amends in great style.

Ruby Walsh soon had his mount in front and he stretched on before the last for an easy seven-length success over Capellanus

"He's fairly decent and we'll up him in grade now," said Mullins.

"I'll look for another nice graded hurdle for him before too long. Leopardstown (7th February) might just come too soon. Although he could run there.

"He looked to do that with ease and is one to look forward to. He's a fine big horse and is a chaser really."

Labrokes cut the winner from 16/1 to 12/1 for the Triumph Hurdle.