O'Connell's have another nice one in Chateau

It was lovely to see Jack Kennedy aboard Hardline again, cantering back after the fall they took three out in the McCarthy Insurance Group Maiden Hurdle. This second event at Cork went along expected lines with odds-on favourite Chateau Conti making all under Ruby Walsh.

Hardline was trying to close down the Eddie O'Connell-owned and Willie Mullins-trained 2/5 shot, Chateau Conti (not always fluent jumping), at the time of his spill.

However it's hard to think that anything would have ultimately coped with the relentless galloping of the winner, and the dual French winner eventually crossed the line with seven lengths to spare over Canelie

The latter is owned by J P McManus and he also had the third home, Mon Lino a further twenty three lengths adrift.

"He just wasn't ready at Christmas and fortunately for (local) connections he was able to come down here to Mallow," said Mullins on Chateau Conti, in the same ownership of course as the brilliant Un De Sceaux.

"It is really heavy conditions out there and to do that on his first run is a good sign. He likes to get on with things and while he jumps well, can improve. I imagine he can go out in trip but I wouldn't see much need to go up in trip as we have plenty of stayers.

"I'd be hoping (he'd go the Supreme Novices route) and we'll give him another run before then; we'll see what race comes up next."

(TW & EM)