Bachasson impresses on Irish debut

Bachasson justified odds-on favouritism in the opener at Sligo, the Pet Stop Maiden Hurdle, as he ran out a convincing winner under Ruby Walsh for Willie Mullins.

Making his Irish debut the French import was available at 8/15 last night. When his main rival Credulous came out this morning he went even shorter, opening on-course at 1/3 before going off a 4/11 chance.

Having raced in third early on the son of Voix Du Nord improved into second after the third flight.

He hit the front after three out and eased clear before the last, going on to score by six and a half lengths. Free Scorpion finished second under Jack Kennedy for Michael Hourigan at 25/1 while Silken Thomas (8/1) was a further five and a half lengths back in third under Jonathan Burke for Sandra Hughes.

Ruby Walsh said afterwards: "His jumping was reasonable and he travelled nicely. His bumper form suggested he was up to winning a maiden, and he should improve from the run. I'd say he has a fair engine."

Bachasson was successful in two AQPS races (French bumpers) in France and he is now owned by Edward O'Connell who also has the great Un De Sceaux with Mullins.

STEWARDS REPORT

B.J. Geraghty, rider of My Matador trained by E. J. O'Grady, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount never travelled.

C.D. Maxwell, rider of Double Return trained by P.Cluskey, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount made a respiratory noise.

The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined My Matador, trained by E. J. O'Grady, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be Post Race Normal.

The Stewards fined P.Cluskey, trainer, €350 for lodging a passport in respect of Double Return, in which the vaccinations did not conform with the provisions of Rule 91. The Stewards allowed the horse to run on receipt of the trainer's written assurance that the vaccinations were in order.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee