Mullins unearths another potential star

Willie Mullins highlighted Vautour as a promising sort during a press open day at his Closutton yard on Monday, and the French import duly confirmed that opinion when taking the two-mile Kells Maiden Hurdle in impressive fashion.

Ruby Walsh sent on the son of Robin Des Champs approaching the final flight, and he hardly had to move a muscle as they stretched clear on the run-in.

The 1/2 favourite had a facile five and a half lengths to spare over Lieutenant Colonel at the line, with Velvet Maker back in third.

Walsh said, “He won well. In fairness he’d two runs in France so he had the experience. He was working nicely at home but you have to go and win your maiden and he’s done that first time. He was impressive.”

Mullins is away in Hong Kong with Vase contender Simenon but his son Patrick said, “That’s what he was showing at home. We think he’s a very good horse and we’ll probably look for something over Christmas for him now.”

Additional reporting by Gary Carson