Zaidpour rocks Thurles

Zaidpour got his career back on track with a routine victory in the Rock Of Cashel Hurdle at Thurles.

The French recruit looked destined for the top when winning on his first couple of starts for Willie Mullins, following up a Punchestown maiden hurdle win with a superb performance in the Grade One Royal Bond Novice Hurdle at Fairyhouse.

But he suffered defeat on his next couple of starts in Ireland and finished down the field when last seen in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham.

Making his seasonal return, the 30-100 favourite faced his easiest task in some time and that was how it proved under Ruby Walsh.

Zaidpour travelled strongly on the bridle throughout and eased clear in the home straight to score by eight lengths from Boland’s Corner.

The two-mile-six-and-a-half-furlong contest also saw the reappearance of last season’s Grand National runner-up Oscar Time, who finished a creditable fourth.

It was Mullins’ third winner of the day after Bishopsfurze and Apt Approach had both struck in their respective races.