Arbre scores decisively on Irish debut

Willie Mullins introduced yet another useful French import as Arbre De Vie completed a treble for the champion trainer and Ruby Walsh in the 2m4f maiden hurdle at Fairyhouse. Heavily supported on track from 4/7 to 2/5, the four-year-old was never far from the pace and led before four out. The majority of his 15 rivals were beaten off at this point with second favourite Champoleon making a number of mistakes before being pulled up at halfway, and Catalaunian Fields provided the only threat in the straight. However he was burned off after two out as Walsh's mount came home eight lengths clear, with Billbushay all of 30 lengths further back in third. Mullins said, "He's more of a stayer. He gallops and jumps. I'll probably go out further in trip with him and he might go for a 2m6f or something when we are ready to see him back. "He looks like a staying chaser. It's all staying in his pedigree." (GC & AM)