Tattersalls Ireland Novice Hurdle (Grade 1)

KOPEK Des Bordes had looked to have a serious engine on his first two starts and, after combining that with improved jumping, simply outclassed his rivals with an outstanding display in the Grade 1 Tattersalls Ireland Novice Hurdle.

A loose horse was the only apparent danger to Willie Mullins’ charge as he eased into the lead before two out under Paul Townend, and favourite-backers held their breath as Eastern Legend ran across the 5/4 shot, but it only lit up the leader.

The Monabeg Investments-owned bay practically sauntered home to score by 13 lengths, as stablemate Karniquet (16/1) finished best of the remainder. There were a further nine lengths back to welcome British raider Good And Clever in third.

Paul Townend confirmed it was as easy as it looked, saying: “I felt I was hacking around the whole way.” The winning trainer, meanwhile, commented: “The horse was very keen and free the whole way, but Paul just let him have his head going down to his hurdles.

“He jumped way better than Christmas – we did a lot of schooling with him since the last day. I think he’ll have no trouble jumping fences after that. It was a tremendous performance.”

Bookmakers were also impressed, shortening Kopek Des Bordes to 6/4 favourite from 7/1 for the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, while the earlier favourite, stablemate Salvator Mundi, is now 4/1.

Kopek Des Bordes was also an appropriate winner considering the sponsors, having been bought by Mullins and Harold Kirk at the Tattersalls Ireland Derby Sale for €130,000. That earned him a place in the valuable Tattersalls Ireland George Mernagh Memorial Sales Bumper, which he won by 13 lengths last March.