ZAIDPOUR got his career back on track with a routine victory in the Rock Of Cashel Hurdle at Thurles yesterday.
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 to 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.
The champion trainer is continuing a sensational run of form which has seen him saddle 16 winners in the last six Irish jump meetings since last Wednesday, which included a four-timer at Punchestown on Sunday and three trebles.
Of Zaidpour, Mullins said: “It’s grand to see him do that over two miles and six furlongs, and he seems to be stronger and happier than he was in the second half of last season.
“He’ll probably go next for the Grade Two Tara Hurdle at Navan, and will stay hurdling this season.
“I’m not sure which way we will go distance wise, and it’s possible he could still drop back down in trip this season.”
Bishopsfurze earlier landed the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Beginners Chase at 7 to 4 , while 11 to 10 favourite Apt Approach took the Glen Chase.
“Ruby was very good on him as he hasn’t got the reputation of being a fantastic jumper. But he really put it up to the horse four out and the horse responded,” Mullins said.
“He’ll probably have to go up in grade now. I’d like to keep him to country tracks but there are very few winners-of-one races at the country tracks.
“Apt Approach is a very hard horse to ride from behind but Ruby gave him a great ride.”
