The Willie Mullins trained French import Blood Cotil (4/9f )made an impressive winning debut in Ireland, wasily taking the opening Racegoer's €25 Package 3YO Maiden Hurdle at Fairyhouse today.

Ridden by Ruby Walsh, the son of Enrique travelled well throughout and went past leader Hazariban before the final flight. On the run-in, Blood Cotil quickened effortlessly clear for a 17 lengths win over Hazariban.

Afterwards Mullins stated “Blood Cotil jumps well, stays well and is a horse to look forward to.

“The faster the pace the more it will suit him and he's a hardy a horse as I've had around the place for a while. He takes everything that I throw at him and it's interesting that Scolardy was a bit like that too. We'll find a suitable opportunity for him next.”

Paddy Power introduced Blood Cotil at 25/1 for the Triumph Hurdle next March, while Stan James go 33/1 for the same race.

Further reporting by Alan Magee