Aklan and Ruby Walsh survive a bad mistake at the third hurdle before going on to win© Photo Healy Racing
Aklan made an impressive debut over jumps when taking the opening maiden hurdle this afternoon at Navan.
The Dalakhani gelding, a Listed winner on the level for John Oxx, was making his first start since August 2012.
Now in the care of champion jumps trainer Willie Mullins he was sent off 9/10 favourite to make a winning start over hurdles.
There was a scare early on as he blundered at the third and he also did well to side-step Chancol as his market rival (13/8 second favourite) crashed out at the middle flight down the back.
Oscar Buzz took over from long-time leader Killiney Court three from home but was a sitting duck as Aklan tracked him under Ruby Walsh.
The favourite led at the penultimate flight and was clear going to the last as he recorded an easy nine-length success.
Mclovin ran on late and got up close home to grab the runner-up spot.
“We've been waiting a while for that fella,” said Mullins afterwards.
“He's had little bits of problems. They've been minor enough but have kept him off.
“He's got a real good engine but he'll have to brush up his jumping a bit. As the ground gets drier his jumping should improve.”
Walsh added: “He kind of guessed at the third. I had just moved outside Paul (Carberry) when he fell but we were still lucky to avoid him.
“I think his jumping will improve as it was his first run. It probably wasn't his ground but you'd have to be taken with the way he did it.”
(Additional reporting by Alan Magee)
