Sempre Medici strolls in on Irish debut

Sempre Medici was backed down from 4/9 in early trading today to 1/4 to make a successful debut over jumps for Willie Mullins and he didn’t disappoint as he slammed his 11 rivals in Cork.

Proven on heavy ground and in Listed company in French flat races, he looked a useful recruit for Mullins and his entry in the Grade One Royal Bond further backed that up.

This first assignment on Irish soil came in the two mile maiden hurdle in Cork. The four-year-old, racing for the first time as a gelding, was settled in third place by Paul Townend before improving into second on the turn for home.

He was on terms with leader Walk To Freedom at the third last before easing to the head of affairs at the second last. He quickly opened up to go clear by the last and despite a mistake there was able to coast in by eight lengths.

Walk To Freedom had to settle for second at 8/1. Roconga was 16 lengths adrift of the runner-up in third at 33/1.

Paul Townend said: “There’s plenty of room for improvement with his jumping, but the ground was plenty heavy. We went very steady and his jumping will come in time.

“Jessica’s horse (Walk To Freedom) is a good yardstick and this is a nice little start for him.”

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes