Simenon proves way too strong

Willie Mullins and Ruby Walsh, successful half-an-hour earlier with Final Approach completed a quick short-priced double at Cork as 4/6 favourite Simenon impressively opened his jumping account in the McCarthy Insurance Group 60th Maiden Hurdle.

A useful sort on the Flat in England for Andrew Balding, the Marju gelding didn't impress with his jumping on debut for new connections at Fairyhouse last month but this was much more like it.

The five-year-old took over from Moyaliff (11/4), who jumped left when the pressure came on, entering the straight and had stretched well clear of his rivals before the penultimate flight.

Walsh's mount galloped on strongly to the line to beat Party Rock (25/1) by a yawning 23 lengths, with Top Spin (6/1) in third.

Mullins said, “We were disappointed with him the last day but that was a big improvement today, and we'll keep him to the minimum trip as he has loads of gears.

“He will go for a novice hurdle next and we will see what he can do. Easter time might be perfect for him on better ground.”

Stan James introduced Simenon at 33/1 for the Supreme Novices Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.