Kopek Des Bordes emerged from the fog to hit the front at the last flight and make a winning start over hurdles in the opener at Leopardstown.

The Willie Mullins-trained gelding had won Tattersalls Ireland Sales Bumper in impressive fashion on his sole outing last term and went off a 4/6 shot on his jumping debut in the two mile maiden hurdle.

Patrick Mullins produced the hotpot to lead approaching the final hurdle and he galloped on strongly on the run-in to post a two-and-three-quarter length win over stablemate Kawaboomga

“It was a very good performance considering he got unsighted at the first and Patrick said it just unnerved him for the rest of the race,” said Mullins.

“He didn't jump properly, he's a way better jumper than that. I'm hoping that there is a lot of improvement in his jumping.

“He looks a tip top animal. We've always thought a fair bit of him.

“He'd want to brush up his jumping but he'd look like one that could maybe come back here for a Grade 1 at the Dublin Racing festival. He looks to have that type of an engine.

“Kawaboomga ran great to be second, he stayed on well and probably wants a trip. I was very happy with Zillow who learned a lot from his first run to this run. I think he's a horse that's going to improve as well.”