Willie Mullins thrilled with Min’s merciless display

Min, already favourite for the Supreme Novices' Hurdle in March without even winning a race, strengthened his position at the head of the betting after making a breathtaking Irish debut at Punchestown to complete a treble for trainer Willie Mullins.

Sent off the 4-11 favourite in the Festival Hospitality On Sale Maiden Hurdle, Ruby Walsh felt the pace was not fast enough for the Rich Ricci-owned youngster and sent him to the front at halfway.

From there he gradually pulled further and further clear in the home straight, under minimal urgings, and strolled to a 14-length victory from Gurteen, who won a point-to-point on his only previous experience.

Bookmakers were quick to take evasive action with Betfred making him their 7-1 favourite from 12s for the Supreme. BetVictor went just 5-1.

Beforehand Mullins had stated he hoped the rumours about how good Min was carried some substance.

“The rumours are true,” said Mullins. “That was two and a quarter miles and he could easily go back to two miles, and I would have no fear of going two and a half.

“He looks to have plenty of gears as I thought they were going a good gallop and yet he took off around halfway.

“He jumped very well for a horse having his first run on an Irish racecourse, and we will plan for something in the new year.

“The first race that comes to mind is the race that Vautour and Douvan won here next month (Grade Two Moscow Flyer Novice Hurdle).”

Mullins dominated the opener at Punchestown, but not in the order the betting suggested as Net D'Ecosse prevailed in a blanket finish to the Punchestown For Events Beginners Chase.

The market leader was Mullins's Blazer, owned by JP McManus, but with half a mile to run Barry Geraghty was having to ride his mount to stay in contention.

Peoples Park, also owned by McManus and trained by Tom Taaffe, was going well at the head of affairs but Mullins's Net D'Ecosse (2-1), owned by Gigginstown House Stud, headed him approaching the last.

A slow leap handed the initiative back to Peoples Park and he looked sure to hold on, only for Bryan Cooper to galvanise Net D’Ecosse and put his head in front right on the line.

Blazer got going all too late, flashing home to be only beaten a nose and a head in third.

“He was a bit fortunate, but jumped well until the last,” said Mullins of the winner.

“I’d say he will go up in trip. Christmas will probably come a bit soon and we’ll find something for him in the new year.

“Blazer jumped well, but just didn’t have enough speed when they quickened. He’ll go out in trip as well.”

Mullins made it a double when Thomas Hobson saw off the challenge of Jetstream Jack in the Buy Your 2016 Annual Membership Hurdle.

Walsh decided to make all the running on the former John Gosden inmate and while Davy Russell appeared to be travelling better at one stage, when he pressed the button Thomas Hobson pulled out more.

Beaten in a Grade Three last time out, the 6-5 chance looks set for a step back up in class, subject to his jumping.

“His jumping is improving, but it can improve more,” said Mullins.

“He will be better on better ground. Unless his jumping improves a good bit he could go back on the Flat.

“The trip seemed to be no trouble to him.”