Halibut and Keith Donoghue© Photo Healy Racing
Halibut landed the odds on his jumping debut in the Cashel Maiden Hurdle at Clonmel but only after giving those who supported him into 2/5 a scare or two.
The Balko gelding, placed on both bumper starts at Punchestown earlier this year, met the second flight all wrong with Keith Donoghue briefly losing an iron.
The hot favourite cruised past the front running Cillians Charm at the second last but made another mistake at the final flight before recording an easy seven and a half lengths victory.
There was a 21 lengths gap back to Malinas Glory in third with none of the other ten runners ever getting involved.
Winning trainer Emmet Mullins said, "He is a nice horse and it is great to get that win under his belt. It was an indifferent round of jumping and he has a lot to learn but fingers crossed he can improve. The engine is there but we have to put a few pieces together yet.
"There was a concern about the ground as it was different to Punchestown in April and May but he proved his versatility.
"With that round of jumping, I'd say we will definitely be thinking about a smaller rather than bigger race next - we have a bit of work to do."
Quotes by Tom Weekes
