Leopardstown 29 12 23 Ballyburn and Paul Townend win the Pigsback Maiden Hurdle Healy Racing © Photo Healy Racing
The Willie Mullins trained Ballyburn went one place better than on his hurdling debut when easily disposing of some smart rivals in the Pigsback.com Maiden Hurdle at Leopardstown.
Runner-up to the hugely exciting Firefox on his first start over flights at Fairyhouse earlier this month, the five-year-old came forward from that experience to shed his maiden status here.
Stepping up to 2m4f for the first time arguably helped bring about further improvement in the gelding, who was barely out of second gear despite facing a couple of above average opponents.
Moving through to take over from long time leader Saddle Her Up at the final flight, Paul Townend sat motionless as the son of Flemensfirth galloped on strongly to score by an effortless 25 lengths.
Willie Mullins said: "He did what we were hoping he might do in Fairyhouse.
"We were happy - he jumped well and galloped to the line, so he is improving. He is on the up. He has improved hugely from Fairyhouse. He was probably beaten in a sprint in Fairyhouse.
"We are hoping there is plenty more improvement to come as well, we think there is anyway.
"He settled well enough - that's what I was worried about, he would get too keen.
"That's more his comfort zone today over two and a-half miles.
"I'm not thinking anything (future plans) - I'm just delighted we got today out of the way. He did it impressively. You'd be thinking he is more of a two-and-a-half-mile horse.
"Paul told me he appears keen, but it is just the way he carries his head low. He said every time he gave him a little feel on the reins, he came back underneath him. I'm very happy that the horse is learning all the time."
Paddy Powers went 4/1(from 7/1) about Ballyburn for the Ballymore Novices' Hurdle and 10/1(from 12/1) for the Supreme Novices' Hurdle.
Additional reporting by Michael Graham.
