Min© Photo Healy Racing
French import Min made a big impression when landing a treble in some style for Willie Mullins in the 2m2f maiden hurdle at Punchestown this afternoon.
There was plenty of talk about the four-year-old who was sent off a 4/11 shot for his Irish debut and those odds were certainly justified after an easy 14-length success.
Ruby Walsh let his mount hit the front before the fifth after he took a strong hold in the early stages. Double Island attempted to lay down a challenge two from home but came under pressure turning for home and Min soon asserted.
Walsh didn't move a muscle as he cruised to an easy success. Gurteen came through to claim the runner-up spot.
“The rumours are true!,” said Mullins afterwards.
“That was 2m2f and he could easily go back to two miles, and I would have no fear of going 2m4f. He looks to have plenty of gears as I thought they were going a good gallop and yet he took off around halfway.
“He jumped very well for a horse having his first run on an Irish racecourse, and we will plan for something in the New Year.
“The first race that comes to mind is the (Grade 2 Moscow Flyer Novice Hurdle) race that Vautour and Douvan won here next month.”
Paddy Power made the winner 7/1 favourite (from 12/1) for Supreme Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham. BoyleSports are 6/1 from 9/1.
Walsh and Mullins had claimed the preceding race with another Rich Ricci horse Thomas Hobson while Mullins had also claimed the opener with Gigginstown gelding Net D'Ecosse
(Quotes by Alan Magee)
