Sharjah jumps the last under Ruby Walsh© Photo Healy Racing
French import Sharjah came home a comfortable winner of the opener at Gowran, the Paulstown Maiden Hurdle.
Successful on the level in his native France, the son of Doctor Dino was making his debut for Willie Mullins here, while also having his first start over flights.
As short as 4/6 in early shows, he eventually went off the even money favourite, with Ruby Walsh in the saddle for Rich and Susanna Ricci.
Prominent in the early stages, he was then settled in second by Walsh. He took closer order from two out (usual three out), and soon hit the front, keeping on well from the last to score comfortably by five lengths.
The well-backed Great Trango (12s last night and from 5s to 7/2 on-course) was best of the rest under Davy Russell for Harry Kelly, while newcomer Ten Ten (33/1) was another seven and a half lengths back in third, with Mark Walsh in the saddle for Philip Dempsey.
"He did it well. I was a little surprised by how testing the ground was. I knew it would be wet but I didn't think it would be quite as deep as it is," said Walsh.
"He jumped really well. The second last hurdle was bypassed and he quickened up sharply and put the race to bed. It was a nice performance.
"There is plenty of depth to the ground. I was surprised as I thought it would be loose and sloppy. It'll take a lot of getting all day.
"We're having a good run with first timers and hopefully that can continue. Hopefully he will improve."
Mullins added: "He did it very well and I was surprised how well he went on the ground considering his best form seemed to be on the all-weather.
"He jumped well. He jumped so slick, like a handicapper."
STEWARDS REPORTS
The Stewards informed Patrick Downey, trainer of Melly And Me that his charge could be liable for suspension if he repeated any unruly behaviour in the future.
The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Storm Rising trained by Denis Gerard Hogan, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal, and added that samples had been taken for analysis.
The Stewards enquired into the running and riding of Storm Rising, trained and ridden by D. G. Hogan. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. D.G. Hogan stated that his charge was returning from a bad fall in his previous race and had schooled badly in the last week. D.G. Hogan's plan for this race was to jump off in a good position. He stated that his mount had jumped off in the perfect position and that he made his challenge about four hurdles out. D.G. Hogan stated that he was more than happy with the performance of his charge, he got the run of the race and that in his opinion he could not have pushed him any closer. The Stewards also received a report from the Turf Club Veterinary Officer who stated that Storm Rising was post race normal and that samples were taken for analysis. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards noted D.G Hogan's explanation, however he was cautioned regarding his attitude in the Stewards room.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
