Kalkir and Ruby Walsh surge to victory© Photo Healy Racing
In a division awaiting a horse to step forward and make a statement Willie Mullins' Kalkir did just that when landing the Grade 3 Bar One Racing Juvenile 3-y-o Hurdle at Fairyhouse on his Irish debut. Dai Bando threatened danger briefly, after Ruby Walsh assumed command on the Susannah Ricci-owned Kalkir in the straight, but it was soon apparent that Andrew McNamara's mount was chasing shadows.
In the end the victorious 9/10 shot crossed the line with eight lengths in hand over his aforementioned opponent.
"He had a run in France which was a help. The maidens had seemed to be beating the winners – in Punchestown and the North," reflected Walsh.
"The form had seemed to be turning the whole time and there hadn't looked to have been an outstanding winner so that's why I was keen enough to ride him.
"It's early days but he's put a marker down. He seems a nice horse going in the right direction.
"He jumped super and appreciated an ease in the ground."
Mullins said on Kalkir later: "He's a good jumper and jumps well at home. He's worked well at home without setting the gallops on fire. He'll run at Christmas next."
Boylesports go 6/1 from 12s about Kalkir for the Triumph Hurdle. (AM & EM)
