Mirazur West off the mark over hurdles

The well touted Mirazur West could only finish second on his hurdles debut at Leopardstown on St Stephen's day. The full brother to Ferny Hollow raced too keenly and jumped to his right on that occasion before finding the useful King of Kingsfield six lengths too good. Back in action at Fairyhouse on Wednesday, the Willie Mullins trained made no mistake with an eleven lengths win in the two miles maiden hurdle. Making all under Mark Walsh, he was enthusiastic early on once again but soon settled into a good rhythm. Admittedly, his task was made easier when market rival D B Cooper sadly went wrong before the hometurn, but the J.P.McManus owned runner appeared to be in control in anycase before pulling away after the penultimate flight. Like his older sibling, he may not be straightforward but possesses a lot of talent and could yet have a major say at the spring Festivals. His owner has a formidable hand in the Skybet Supreme Novices' Hurdle with Jeriko Du Reponet and Mystical Power and Mirazur West won't look out of place in the Festival opener, too.