A wholly impressive hurdling debut by The Reverend The opening 2m1f maiden hurdle at Cork was, as expected, won by The Reverend (4/11 favourite) for Willie Mullins and Paul Townend. Owned by Tony Bloom and Ian McAleavy, the five-year-old opened 2/7 and touched 4/7 before shortening again in the moments before the off. Favourite backers had few worries as the Lope De Vega gelding, a smart handicapper on the Flat for William Haggas, settled well in second and was quick at his obstacles on this first run over flights.   “I haven’t schooled him at home, but Brian (Hayes) told me he jumped very well," said Townend. "He loves it and is kind of looking for the next hurdle. “He settled really nice for a horse that has done so much racing done on the Flat. We tried the hood on him just in case, but he settled lovely and did everything nicely. He quickened up and settled it quick. “I’d hope he can make his mark at graded level. He’s not big but he’s hardy, jumps well, and if he can transfer his level of form on the Flat to jumps, he’d be a good ride.” Paddy Power left the winner unchanged at 25/1 for the Supreme Novices' Hurdle. Additional reporting by Alan Magee
