Karl leads home 1-2 for Mullins

Willie Mullins sent out a 1-2 in the opening Frank Gillane Memorial Maiden Hurdle at Tramore as Karl Der Grosse justified odds-on support in the hands of Ruby Walsh.

The French import, making her Irish debut after finishing third in a juvenile hurdle at Vichy 11 months ago, was well-backed on track from 8/11 into 8/15 and took control after the penultimate flight.

Ruby Walsh’s mount soon asserted and drew clear on the run-in to easily beat stable-companion Sweet Flight by four lengths. Silver Star was a further six lengths back in third.

Walsh said, "He had a run in France and had that bit of experience, he did it nicely. You can't beat experience and he had that advantage over the second horse.

"The ground is beautiful, I thought it would be quicker."

(DM & AM)