The Willie Mullins trained, Rich Ricci owned Saldier emerged as a Triumph Hurdle candidate following his winning hurdles debut in the Sea Moon & Shantou At Burgage Maiden Hurdle under David Mullins at Gowran today, having routed the field.

The French bred son of Soldier Hollow moved to the front before the second last flight, soon skipped clear on the bridle and in he end sauntered to a ten lengths win over Big Ego Early leader Galtymore was joined for second place at the final flight by Big Ego, but crashed out at the last obstacle.

Triumph Hurdle contender? Saldier showed some gears on his Irish debut yesterday... pic.twitter.com/bbsbhHdb54

— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) February 18, 2018

The trio of men had also earlier won the opener with Some Neck and following Saldier's jog around, trainer Mullins commented “that was a nice performance. He had a little setback at Christmas and we couldn’t run him but he’s always shown us that he’s half-decent and looks it on that evidence there.

“The loose horse (Tildas Icon) rammed him with a circuit to race and gave him every opportunity to run off the track and set him alight but he seemed to take it all in his stride. He jumped well throughout the race, and is a horse that we can look forward to.

“He’s in the Triumph Hurdle and looks like he could be good enough to take his place. We’ll see how he comes out of this race but he handled that ground well but better ground won’t inconvenience him."

Quotes from Alan Magee