Blood Destiny and Paul Townend win the Bar One Racing 3-Y-0 Maiden Hurdle © Photo Healy Racing
Blood Destiny never gave those that took short odds a moments worry when running out an impressive winner on his Irish debut in the Bar One Racing 3-Y-0 Maiden Hurdle at Cork.
Second at Auteuil in April on his only previous start, the gelding was always to the fore under Paul Townend and never had to be asked a serious question in order to dispose of his rivals.
Travelling easily in front turning into the straight, Townend gradually allowed his mount skip clear of the field and had matters in hand well before the second last. Sir Allen stayed on best of the remainder to take second place, with Teagarden Jazz back in third. Libby paid the price for trying to match strides with the winner, eventually weakening into fourth.
Willie Mullins said: "Paul had lots of confidence in him and when he left him stride on he jumped those hurdles well and the experience he got in France helped.
"He does that nicely in the juvenile division and will make a chaser in time. Hopefully he is one which will go forward.
"I'm sure he's entered for the Graded hurdle at Christmas (Leopardstown) and whether or not it is too close to Christmas or not, so we might wait. We'll see how he comes out of the race, I hope he comes home safe and sound from today and I'll be planning a Grade 1 route with him.
"It is a syndicate involving the family of the late Archie O'Leary, who had Florida Pearl. His son Anthony was supposed to be here but his flight was cancelled although Peter (O'Leary, grandson) is here. The syndicate carries the same colours as Florida Pearl but with a different cap."
Paddy Power cut Blood Destiny from 33/1 to 20/1 for the Triumph Hurdle.
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
