Minsk set fair for hurdling bow

Highly regarded Triumph Hurdle entry Minsk is finally due to make his debut over timber in the Winning Fair Juvenile Hurdle at Fairyhouse on Saturday.

Now with Dessie Hughes, the four-year-old won his final three outings on the level for John Oxx, including an impressive show in the Irish Cesarewitch.

Owner Barry Connell has some grand plans for him, culminating in the Melbourne Cup, and having apparently taken to schooling well he is as low as 6-1 for the Triumph even though he has never jumped a hurdle in public.

Minsk is unlikely to have an easy introduction this weekend as Willie Mullins has several entries, with the likes of Darroun, Ut De Sivola and Midnight Oil having already shown a good level of form.

Noel Meade’s Bat Masterson and the Oliver Brady-trained One Cool Shabra are other winners among the 16 entered in the Grade Two heat.