Willie Mullins’ Triumph Hurdle winner Majborough was cut to 6/1 (from 12s) for the Arkle at Cheltenham in March after seamlessly transitioning to chasing in the beginners' chase at Fairyhouse on Saturday.

An impressive winner of a conditions hurdle at Auteuil as a three-year-old, the striking son of Martinborough was subsequently sold to prominent owner JP McManus to embark on a career under the watchful eye of Willie Mullins.

Such was the impression he created at home, Majborough made his Irish debut in Grade 1 company and emerged with huge credit after running on strongly to finish a close-up third in the Spring Juvenile Hurdle at Leopardstown.

JP McManus' sizeable four-year-old went on to land the Grade 1 JCB Triumph Hurdle on his next start at the Cheltenham Festival in March, after which connections quickly pointed to a career over fences.

Willie Mullins' was subsequently sent off an even-money shot to make a winning debut over fences at Fairyhouse and although talented stablemates Tullyhill and Asian Master loomed up in the home straight, Majborough quickly put the race to bed with a fine leap at the final flight. Mark Walsh's mount quickened up in taking style up the run in, putting six and a half lengths between him and Tullyhill crossing the line. Asian Master finished back in third to ensure a clean sweep for the Closutton-based handler.

"He was very good," said the winning rider on Racing TV. "He made a few little mistakes as a novice would, and he had to do it the hard way in front, but he fairly motored over the last two fences when Paul [Townend] came to him on Tullyhill and was very slick at them. I couldn't be happier."

Walsh added: "Fences were always going to be the making of him and that was a great introduction,"

"He's not a slow horse and he has plenty of gears, but he'll stay too.

"You'd have to be delighted with my lad as Willie's other two horses were no slouches. All of the options are open now."