Hidden Cyclone was the one punters came for in the opening Foxrock Cup Hurdle at Leopardstown. The 11/4 favourite justified the confidence of his backers with a battling success under Danny Mullins in the extended two and a quarter miler. Bonbon Au Miel made a very promising start in Ireland but double his age at twelve now, Hidden Cyclone just wasn't to be denied after his game front-running effort.

Bonbon Au Miel went past under Ruby Walsh from the last but when the rider straightened him up Hidden Cyclone regained the initiative.

The second came again but three parts of a length split them at the line. I Shot The Sheriff made a decent comeback and he ended up twelve lengths off the front pair in third.

Making a mistake at the third and jumping right at the next proved no impediment for Hidden Cyclone and Danny Mullins said: "He made a mistake early on that you would forgive a novice for doing but not from him. He jumped a bit right afterwards, and I had to let him regain his confidence down the back. In fairness he battled really well at the death.

"I was half a length down after the last but was confident he would get there. He's very tough.

"I was third on him in the Fighting Fifth and that form line alone should have made him an odds-on shot today. Shark has done a great job with him. He has a lot of class and is fit and well."

Winning trainer John 'Shark' Hanlon was an absentee as he was point-to-pointing.

(AM & EM)