Outlander© Photo Healy Racing
Outlander got off the mark over hurdles in great style at Fairyhouse when justifying his short price with the minimum of fuss in the two-mile maiden hurdle.
Willie Mullins' charge had not been seen in action since finishing sixth in the Grade 1 bumper at Punchestown in 2013, having been sent off favourite for that contest.
The Gigginstown gelding, who had landed three bumpers previously, was sent off a 4/9 shot to make a winning return and made no mistake.
Bryan Cooper tracked the leaders and his mount hit the front with a fine leap at the second last.
He popped the final flight and was asked to stretch clear on the run-in for a comprehensive 11-length victory over Mike McCann
“He will probably go up in trip and I’d imagine the staying novice division will be his target. He jumped well and I was very pleased with that after such a long lay-off,” said Mullins.
“Aklan disappointed in the first but you are going to have ups and downs. We have the ground now so we need to get them out.”
Cooper told Attheraces:- “He had some very good bumper form and was one of our better horses back in 2013. He missed a year but hopefully he can put that in the past now and go on from that.
“I tried to sit and save as much as I could because it was his first run, especially in that ground. I was very happy with him and he quickened up well from the back of the last.
“I'd say he'll pay his way this winter. He jumped very well and on that evidence he hasn't lost any of his ability. So hopefully he can step up.”
Boylesports introduced Outlander at 14/1 for the Neptune Hurdle and 12/1 for the Albert Bartlett.
(Additional reporting by Alan Magee)
