Min makes impressive Irish debut in Punchestown

Willie Mullins quipped: “The rumours were true” after the well-touted Min made an impressive Irish debut in the Festival Hospitality On Sale Maiden Hurdle in Punchestown yesterday.

The French import, in the familiar Ricci colours, was allowed stride into the lead by Ruby Walsh before the fifth flight and stretched clear of market rival Double Island after the second last to triumph, hard held, by fourteen lengths from Gurteen, providing the champion trainer with the final leg of a treble and Walsh’s second winner of the afternoon.

Bookmakers reacted by cutting Min for the Supreme Novices Hurdle, with both Paddy Power (from 12) and Boylesports (from 9) making him their 6/1 favourite.