The Aga Khan Studs have bred another potential hurdling star in Zaidpour, impressive winner of the Gr.1 Royal Bond Novice Hurdle at Fairyhouse on only his second start over jumps, and already favourite for a novice event at the Cheltenham Festival. The four-year-old son of Red Ransom is superbly bred for both jumping and flat, being out of Prix de Diane heroine Zainta, from the family of champion Zarkava. He is also a half-brother to Gr.1 Triumph Hurdle winner and Champion Hurdle third Zaynar (Daylami), and closely related to French champion hurdler Zaiyad.

Zaidpour joined current trainer Willie Mullins after being bought by agent Pierre Boulard for €80,000 at Arqana’s Arc sale at Saint Cloud in 2009. He had previously won his maiden at Longchamp and finished fourth in a Listed contest at Compiègne.

The gelding has now won both his hurdle outings by a dozen lengths each. He began with a smooth success in the Punchestown Annual Membership Maiden Hurdle in November and followed up with an equally facile victory against tougher opposition in the Royal Bond Hurdle. Mullins told the Racing Post, “He was a bit novicey at first but once he settles he jumped well. We bought him in France and think we’ve got a bargain.” The next target for Zaidpour is likely to be the well-named Gr.1 Future Champions Novice Hurdle at Leopardstown on 27th December and possible Cheltenham Festival objectives are the Gr 1 Supreme Novices’ Hurdle or Novices’ Hurdle.