King Alexander reigns supreme on Irish debut King Alexander, successful four times for Nicky Henderson, made a winning start for champion trainer Willie Mullins when appreciating a step up in trip to take the SBK Handicap Hurdle at Fairyhouse. The Mount Nelson gelding was easy to back just before the three-mile event going off the 15/8 favourite but scored in decisive fashion. Paul Townend’s mount jumped to the front two out and threw another fine leap at the last before keeping on well to beat Fortunedefortunata by two and a half lengths. Attaboyarchie couldn’t find any extra from before the last finishing a further half-a-length back in third. Townend said, “He travelled nicely throughout the race, and I’d say he enjoyed that ground at that trip. He stayed going well. “He always travelled well in England, looking at him, and at least he went through with it today. It’s nice to get a winner for these owners and hopefully he’ll be a nice fun horse. “I’m sure they (handicappers) won’t miss him now and make life a bit harder for him.” King Alexander was following a similar path to Strutter, also owned by John Neocleous and formerly trained by Henderson, who scored on his first start for Mullins at the Limerick Christmas meeting. Additional reporting by Gary Carson
