Triumph fancy Dildar off the mark at Taunton

Report: Taunton, Tuesday

Bravo Company 40 Commando Royal Marines Novices' Hurdle (Class 4) 2m1f, 4yo+

LEADING Triumph Hurdle contender Dildar made a winning start to his hurdling career at Taunton on Tuesday.

Formerly trained in France by Alain de Royer-Dupre, Dildar was sent off the 8-15 favourite and came home a length and a quarter clear of Sew On Target.

The son of Red Ransom, now in the care of champion trainer Paul Nicholls, was a general 10-1 chance for the Triumph before his Taunton success and William Hill and BetVictor left him at that price.

Paddy Power, however, eased him to 14-1 (from 11), but jockey Ruby Walsh was sufficiently impressed.

"He picked up really well," said Walsh. He was a bit novicey and will improve a lot. He was careful at some, but it's his first time and I rode him with plenty of cover to teach him something."

Nicholls indicated the williamhill.com Adonis Juvenile Hurdle - a race the trainer won with last season's Triumph winner Zarkandar - at Kempton on February 25 would be next for Dildar.

Alwaary, smart on the Flat for John Gosden, finished fifth on his debut for Rebecca Curtis.