Sortudo strikes on Cork hurdles bow

High-class bumper performer Sortudo made an impressive start to his jumping career with an assured victory at Cork on Sunday.

A winner on his debut under rules at Tramore 12 months ago, the Willie Mullins-trained five-year-old went on to fill the runner-up spot in a Grade Two event at Leopardstown’s Dublin Racing Festival before finishing seventh in the Champion Bumper at Cheltenham.

Having rounded off last season with a spring success at Fairyhouse, Sortudo was an 8-15 favourite for his reappearance in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden Hurdle and he pulled eight and a half lengths clear of the long-absent Jalon d’Oudairies, who was making his first competitive appearance since finishing third in the 2024 Champion Bumper.

Of Sortudo, winning jockey Danny Mullins said: “He had very good bumper form and had schooled well at home. He jumped well all through the race but was alone in front when he just had a look at the final hurdle.

“I rode him in the Champion Bumper at Cheltenham when he gave me a great feel. His introduction today was over two miles and he didn’t lack speed. He has matured well and going further wouldn’t be out of the question for him either – that will be one of the usual conundrums for Willie to decide over next.

“You’d imagine Christmas could now be a target and that’ll decide the bigger spring targets.”

The Mullins duo were widely expected to complete a double in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Beginners Chase, but 2-7 favourite Jade De Grugy could only finish a lacklustre third as 7-2 shot Kala Conti ran out an emphatic winner for Gordon Elliott and Jack Kennedy.

“She jumped brilliantly and was a bit in my hands early on but we weren’t going much of a gallop. We got going early into the straight and it took her a little while to get into top gear but jumped the last three fences very slickly,” said Kennedy.

“I was always in and around the same area as Jade De Grugy so had a good eye on her. Hopefully Kala Conti can build on that again, as she was a very consistent mare over hurdles and I think there could be more to come from her over fences.”

Minella Academy also justified odds-on favouritism in the opening Irish Stallion Farms EBF Academy Hurdle.

A 4-5 shot for his racecourse bow, John Nallen’s youngster was up with the pace throughout and he was eight lengths in front at the line under Daniel King.

“He has plenty of class, plenty of toe and plenty of gears. I was confident although I didn’t know where the money came from. He is the real deal,” said Nallen.

King doubled up in the following Join Racing TV Now With A Free Trial Maiden Hurdle aboard Grey Jude (5-2), trained by the rider’s brother Connor. The victory rounded off an excellent weekend for the siblings following Oscars Brother’s Grade Two triumph in Saturday’s Florida Pearl Novice Chase at Punchestown.

Connor King said: “I only have two horses so we’ve had a good weekend, although I’ll be quiet next week!

“This fellow is is an exciting horse and we’re a good bit ahead of where we thought we’d be with him. We thought he was quite backward in the beginning.

“He has been keeping good company and it is great to get today out of the way.”