Vautour wins on steeplechase debut at Navan for Willie Mullins

Vautour won the Supreme Novices' Hurdle in March

Last season's champion novice hurdler Vautour was an impressive winner on his steeplechasing debut at Navan.

The 2-11 favourite, ridden by Ruby Walsh for trainer Willie Mullins, scored by eight lengths from Clarcam.

"He jumped well and it's nice to see him pass his first test. I don't think he could have jumped any better," said Mullins.

Meanwhile, Gordon Elliott's well-backed Balbriggan took the Troytown Chase.

The winner, sent off 4-1 after being 14-1 earlier in the day, could next run in the Becher Chase - another Grand National trial - at Aintree on 6 December.

Vautour's odds for the Arkle Chase at the Cheltenham Festival in March 2015 were cut from a general 5-1 to about 7-2 favourite.