COOLMORE have enjoyed a perfect start to their new venture in France, sending three-year-old Walk In The Park colts to trainers Noel George and Amanda Zetterholm, with the first two runners winning.

Jolly Swagman bids to continue their success in Sunday's Prix Grandak (1.33pm) at Auteuil, a race previously won by the likes of Majborough.

Bred in Ireland by Thomas Meagher, Jolly Swagman was bought by Coolmore’s Gerry Aherne for €88,000 at the Goffs December NH Sale as a foal.

Speaking to The Irish Field, Noel George said of the colt: “He’s a very good-looking horse who works and jumps very well.

“A month or so ago, he was probably a bit behind the other two, but he’s got a proper staying Irish pedigree, and he keeps improving all the time.

“I’d like to think he’ll run well, but he’ll definitely improve a lot for the race, just by looking at his pedigree and as a physical.”

Future plans

Wild Bill Hickok, who was the combination’s first winner, holds an entry in the €64,000 Prix Champaubert on Thursday.

“He’s really improved since the race,” George reported. “We’re carrying a penalty for our last win, but I’d like to think we should be competitive again.

On The Mighty Celt, the trainer said: “I didn’t think he’d be as babyish as he was in the race, so all considering, he was impressive. He was doing everything so easily at home that he probably caught us a little bit by surprise.”

George confirms that the colts are as big a talking point in France as they are in Ireland. “To have Coolmore involved as owners is huge,” he says.

“They’re a world-renowned outfit and I received five horses who were pre-trained and reared immaculately; we’ve just kind of put the finishing touches on them.”