Cool Colonnade clears the last in good style© Photo Healy Racing
A good jump at the second-last was the winning of the opening maiden hurdle in Sligo by Cool Colonnade
He led after the first but was challenged on the inner by Fontainbleau at the penultimate flight.
Cool Colonnade jumped it slickly and landed full of running from his rival who came under pressure.
Paul Townend sent Cool Colonnade for home and the pair strode on by four and a quarter lengths to win for Willie Mullins.
The winner was well backed from 2/1 to 11/8 favourite.
Fontainbleau could make no impression in second at 14/1. He was the same distance in front of Welsh Peal at 25/1.
Paul Townend said: "He did it nicely and can only improve from it as well I think.
“He was professional when they all jammed on at the first, went down took it on well and settled well in front.
“We got the race our own way then when we were in front. They were all inexperienced in the race but he went down and took on everything and did it nicely.”
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
