Russian Diamond made a winning start to his hurdling career in the auction maiden hurdle at Down Royal.

Emmet Mullins' charge was last seen winning a bumper in Galway at the end of July.

He went off 5/4 favourite for this assignment and travelled well to lead before the penultimate flight.

Mikey Fogarty sent him clear after jumping that obstacle and he kept on strongly to score by five and a half lengths. Behind The Curtain could make no impression in second at 9/1. He was 10 lengths clear of gambled-on Rhythm Divine (2/1 - 11/8).

Emmet Mullins said: He's a horse we've always thought a lot of and it's great to come here for this auction series. It's been good to us so fingers crossed he can follow Zero Ten's path and all roads can lead to the final of the series at the Punchestown festival.

"He's schooled a bit, what's he's done we've been happy with. We definitely think there's a big engine there, he's just a big baby who will jump a fence in time.

"He's done a lot more schooling over fences than hurdles and it probably told there a little bit. Hopefully we'll have fun times ahead."