Nikini and Patrick Mullins (blue and white) jump the last© Photo Healy Racing
Nikini justified her short price when running out a convincing winner of the opening maiden hurdle at Kilbeggan.
The Willie Mullins-trained mare had shown some classy form in bumpers last season, including finishing third in a hot listed contest at Fairyhouse.
She went to post a 4/7 shot on her jumping debut today and duly delivered for the Gorm Agus Ban Syndicate.
Patrick Mullins settled his mount in mid-division early in the two-miler before making his move before the final flight.
The daughter of Sea Moon galloped on strongly from the back of the last to record a three-and-a-quarter length win over Estepona Sun
The winning jockey confirmed afterwards that she took a bit of pulling up:-
“I was back down to the first hurdle, she enjoyed herself but it was a big drop in class.
“That's what I was hoping she'd do. I rode her because a few of my friends own her and I didn't use any of my professional rides at Galway. That's what we expected her to do.
“It looks to me that jumping interests her more, she used to race quite lazily in her bumpers but she travelled great today.
“I think we'll probably be aiming towards that mares novice in Down Royal, maybe we'll get another run into her somewhere but we'll try and get some black-type.”
