Zaidpour easily completes Mullins/Walsh treble

Zaidpour coped well with a step up to two miles and six furlongs on his seasonal debut in the Rock Of Cashel Hurdle as the 30/100 favourite completed a short-priced treble on the afternoon for the all-conquering Willie Mullins and Ruby Walsh combination.

Zaidpour, who failed to live up to his superstar status last term after taking the Royal Bond Novice Hurdle in runaway fashion, was very easy on the eye here and never came off the bridle in recording an effortless success.

The French import jumped slickly and landed in front two out before cruising clear to beat long-time leader Boland's Corner (16/1) by a facile eight lengths.

Grand National runner-up Oscar Time (5/1), starting out here on a season that connections hope will lead back to Aintree next April, finished in fourth spot under Sam Waley-Cohen.

Willie Mullins said, “It's grand to see him do that over two miles and six furlongs, and he seems to be stronger and happier than he was in the second half of last season.

“He'll probably go next for the Grade 2 Tara Hurdle at Navan, and will stay hurdling this season. I'm not sure which way we will go distance wise, and it's possible he could still drop back down in trip this season.”

Mullins has now saddled 16 winners in the last six Irish jump meetings since last Wednesday, which includes a four-timer at Punchestown on Sunday and three trebles.