Festival hope Melon makes perfect start for Willie Mullins at Leopardstown

Melon confirmed his tall reputation by making a winning debut over jumps in the Donohue Marquees Maiden Hurdle at Leopardstown.The French import, trained by Willie Mullins, was already prominent in the betting for the Supreme Novices' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival before being seen in public.Melon, sent off the 4-9 favourite, did not disappoint as he disposed of the opposition in convincing fashion.Ruby Walsh sat in third place on Melon as the experienced Broken Soul made the running, before taking it up after the second-last.Though Melon was a little untidy at the final flight, it did not stop his momentum as he came home 10 lengths clear.Melon was halved in price to 5-1 joint favourite from 10-1 for the Supreme by Paddy Power.Walsh said: "He did it well. He travelled well and jumped well at a good gallop."He was a bit long at the last but it was a maiden hurdle."How much more we learned, I don't know. The only other horse in the race with form was the Gigginstown horse (Broken Soul) and he's beaten him. It was a good start."Talkers tend not to gallop, but thankfully he galloped today."Asked if he could be Cheltenham material, Walsh added: "In time. He'd want another run."