Kalkir stakes big Triumph Hurdle claim with Fairyhouse victory
Sunday 30 November 2014 17:12, UK
Kalkir staked a strong early claim for the JCB Triumph Hurdle with an impressive victory in the Bar One Racing Juvenile 3-Y-O Hurdle at Fairyhouse.
Fourth over hurdles at Auteuil in April when trained by Guillaume Macaire, the three-year-old made the best possible start for owner Rich Ricci and trainer Willie Mullins.
Ruby Walsh brought the 9/10 favourite through to lead two out and win as he liked by eight lengths from Dai Bando with Kalkir's stablemate Verawal third.
Walsh said: "He was a maiden taking on winners, but the three-year-olds have all been beating each other and there didn't seem any standout juvenile so far. He jumped super and appreciated an ease in the ground.
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![RATOATH, IRELAND - NOVEMBER 30: A general view as runners make their way to the start at Fairyhouse racecourse on November 30, 2014 in Ratoath, Ireland.]()
Image: The runners go to post for the opening contest on a big day at the track. -
![RATOATH, IRELAND - NOVEMBER 30: Ruby Walsh riding Kalkir clear the last to win The Bar One Racing Juvenile 3-Y-O Hurdle Race at Fairyhouse racecourse.]()
Image: Kalkir and Ruby Walsh come clear to take the opener and stake a claim for the Triumph Hurdle. -
![RATOATH, IRELAND - NOVEMBER 30: Ruby Walsh riding Kalkir clear the last to win The Bar One Racing Juvenile 3-Y-O Hurdle Race at Fairyhouse racecourse.]()
Image: Even the horse seems pleased with the performance. -
![RATOATH, IRELAND - NOVEMBER 30: Jockey Ruby Walsh chats to the press at Fairyhouse racecourse on November 30, 2014 in Ratoath, Ireland.]()
Image: Walsh debriefs journalists after the race. -
![RATOATH, IRELAND - NOVEMBER 30: Paul Townend riding Nichols Canyon clears the last to win The Bar One Racing Royal Bond Novices Hurdle at Fairyhouse.]()
Image: Nichols Canyon and Paul Townend take the last in the Bar One Royal Bond Novice Hurdle... -
![RATOATH, IRELAND - NOVEMBER 30: Paul Townend riding Nichols Canyon clears the last to win The Bar One Racing Royal Bond Novices Hurdle at Fairyhouse.]()
Image: ...and go clear to score and earn a quote of 12/1 for the Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle. -
![Lieutenant Colonel ridden by Bryan Cooper clears the last on their way to winning the Bar One Racing Hatton's Grace Hurdle at Fairyhouse.]()
Image: Lieutenant Colonel and Bryan Cooper clear the last on their way to winning the Bar One Racing Hatton's Grace Hurdle. -
![RATOATH, IRELAND - NOVEMBER 30: Bryan Cooper riding Lieutenant Colonel clear the last to win The Bar One Racing Hatton's Grace Hurdle at Fairyhouse.]()
Image: They get the better of a good battle with Jetson (right) with early leader Little King Robin well beaten in third. -
![RATOATH, IRELAND - NOVEMBER 30: Sandra Hughes poses at Fairyhouse racecourse.]()
Image: It's a first Grade One success for Sandra Hughes, who took over the death of her Dad, Dessie, a fortnight ago. -
![RATOATH, IRELAND - NOVEMBER 30: Bryan Cooper riding Valseur Lido clear the last to win The Bar One Racing Drinmore Novice Steeple Chase at Fairyhouse.]()
Image: Bryan Cooper and Valseur Lido produced an impressive round of jumping to win the Drinmore Novice Chase. -
![Owners Michael O'Leary (left) and Rich Ricci in the parade ring after O'Leary's Lieutenant Colonel won the Bar One Racing Hatton`s Grace Hurdle during Bar]()
Image: Both Michael O'Leary and Rich Ricci were among the winners on the day... -
![RATOATH, IRELAND - NOVEMBER 30: A racegoer reacts as he watches the action on the big screen at Fairyhouse racecourse on November 30, 2014.]()
Image: ... and they clearly weren't the only ones.
"The man to ask about plans is the trainer, but he's certainly put down a marker there."
Mullins added: "He's a good jumper and jumps well at home. He's worked well at home without setting the gallops on fire. He'll run at Christmas next."
Kalkir was cut to 7/1 favourite from 12s for the Triumph at Cheltenham with Sky Bet, with spokesman Michael Shinners commenting: "As Ruby himself said, there's a long way to go between here and the Triumph Hurdle, but the winner skipped away there from a field that had a number of previous winners in it and you'd have to be pleased with the performance if you'd already put your money down before the race!"
