Prince D'Aubrelle overcame a lengthy layoff as he eased to victory in the opener at Tipperary this evening, the Hotel Minella Maiden Hurdle.

Successful in three bumpers in 2015, the Willie Mullins trained son of Malinas was last seen in October of that year.

Making his debut over flights today, he was sent off a well-supported favourite at 10/11(from 11/10 on-course) in the colours of owner Allan McLuckie.

Prominent throughout under David Mullins, the eight-year-old chestnut improved to lead on the approach to the straight. He stretched clear before the last, and never came off the bridle, going on to score by seven and a half lengths. Rare Conor (8s in early shows, returned at 7/2) finished second under Jonathan Moore for Tom Gibney, while Buck A Trend (20/1) kept on to take third, another five lengths away with Phillip Enright aboard for James Dullea.

The winning rider said afterwards: "He is a lovely horse and was a little rusty for the first mile, but the way he came up the straight there after nearly 1,000 days off he must have an engine.

"He was fresh out there in the parade ring after the race which is good to see too as he has had his problems. It was a good performance."

The French bred victor was bought by Mullins and Harold Kirk for E33,000 as a three-year-old.

STEWARDS REPORTS

D.J. McInerney, rider of Art World trained by Donncha Duggan, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount made a noise.

B.J. Cooper, rider of Tidal River trained by Anthony Mullins, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount jumped carefully.

R.C. Colgan, rider of Semper Fidelis (GB) trained by William J. McLernon, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount ran green and pulled up thereafter.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes