Royal Hawk and Ruby Walsh© Photo Healy Racing
Favourite backers got off to a good start at Cork but those who sent off Royal Hawk a 2/5 chance on his Irish debut in the Summer BBQ Evenings Maiden Hurdle were made to sweat before collecting.
The market was dominated by the Willie Mullins-trained gelding and another French import Delta Work representing the other training powerhouse of Gordon Elliott.
Delta Work had about a three lengths advantage over the favourite when slow at the final flight, and Royal Hawk responded to Ruby Walsh’s urgings on the run-in.
The favourite had half-a-length to spare at the line, with the pair drawing six and a half lengths clear of front-runner Killlasser Boy in third.
The former Ballydoyle trained Unicorn scheduled to make his hurdling debut in the colours of J P McManus for Joseph O’Brien, was a notable absentee due to coughing.
Walsh said, "We didn't know what to expect but he won anyway. Maybe he wants further but his better form on the flat was back in distance and when he went up in trip he seemed to run worse.
"We were hoping good ground would bring about a bit of improvement in him so hopefully it does.
"They have done a great job, a super job, with the ground and I don't think anyone could complain about it."
(TW & AM)
