Min begins chase career in flawless fashion

Report: Navan, Sunday

Irish Stallion Farms EBF Beginners' Chase 2m1f

Min delivered an electric performance in his debut over fences to win the 2m1f beginners' chase on Sunday, his ten-length victory propelling him into second favourite for the Racing Post Arkle.

Beforehand Min was considered by bookmakers to be Ireland's second-best prospect for the Arkle, behind Identity Thief, but afterwards firms cut him into a best-priced 5-1 (from 7) - and he now has only Supreme Novices' Hurdle conqueror Altior in front of him in the market.

Rich Ricci's five-year-old could hardly have been more impressive under Ruby Walsh, beating 16 rivals to justify odds of 1-3 and follow in the footsteps of Vautour and Douvan, the previous two winners of this springboard-to-stardom contest for the same connections behind Min.

Racing Post Novice Chase likely next stop

Trainer Willie Mullins, who was clearly delighted with Min's display, said: "I thought he jumped very well for a horse making his debut over fences.

"He had a good look at the first, but that seemed to settle him, and while he went a good clip in front he didn't pull the way he used to over hurdles.

"I am looking forward to getting him out again and that will probably be around Christmas, with the Racing Post Novice Chase at Leopardstown a likely target. I do not see any need to step him in trip."

Walsh, who returned with a broad smile on his face, said: "You'd have to like that performance, wouldn't you."