Smart bumper performer Azorian made an impressive winning hurdle debut at Cork today when slamming his 13 rivals, in the Paddy Power Your Local Betting Shop INH Stallion Owners EBF Maiden Hurdle completing a double for jockey Davy Russell and owners Gigginstown House Stud.

Azorian (4/5 favourite) made all but showed a tendency to jump to his left at times. However the son of Westerner maintained a relentless gallop and in the end scored a 21 lengths win over Crystal Earth

Afterwards relieved winning trainer Eoin Griffin stated “I was surprised he did that (jumped right) as he never did anything like that before; maybe he was getting a bit lonely in front and I don't think it is an issue.

“Hopefully things will go right for him during the season and while he'll stay at 2m4f for the time being, he could step up further in time. The Monksfield Hurdle in three weeks time is a possibility but we might wait a little longer.

“Today was a relief to get out of the way and he's a horse I hold in high regard and Davy (Russell) liked him too.”

Russell and Gigginstown House Stud earlier won the opener with The Game Changer

By Thomas Weekes