Franco makes instant impression in Ireland Bacardys and Asterion Forlonge are recent winners by Coastal Path trained by Willie Mullins. Mullins struck again today at his local track in Gowran with a son of that French-based stallion, Franco De Port, in the Ladbrokes Novice Hurdle. Second favourite Sixshooter didn’t hurdle well enough whilst ‘third in’ Cayd Boy made a mistake two out. A winner in his native land Franco De Port (6/5 favourite) added to those gains, upstaging Cayd Boy and Sixshooter by five and a half lengths and two and a quarter lengths. Paul Townend did the steering and he was going a place better after finishing second on Mt Leinster in the previous heat. “He’s been doing everything nice at home and Coastal Path’s love that ground," said Mullins. “He’ll stay and could go out in trip but I’d be happy enough to stick to two miles for the time being. He jumps well and his French experience was a good advantage coming into today.” R.A. Doyle, rider of Formula One trained by Luke Comer, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount ran free. (AM & EM)
