Pietralunga got her hurdling career off to a successful start but only just as the French import snatched victory right on the line in the KIlsheelan Mares Maiden Hurdle at Clonmel.

Paul Townend is currently serving a two days suspension for careless riding at the Leopardstown Christmas meeting, and it was David Mullins who took the mount for his uncle Willie.

Visibility was very poor for much of this two-mile race due to heavy fog, and the Mullins charge didn’t help her chance with a slight mistake at the penultimate flight which gave her a bit to do. Cool Saint held a narrow advantage over Moonlight Escape when meeting the last wrong, and Pietralunga took advantage when coming home really strongly on the run-in.

The 10/11 favourite denied Moonlight Escape by a short-head, with Cool Saint a length and a quarter away in third.

David Mullins said, "It would have been my fault if we didn't get there because it turned into a sprint but she showed good guts to stay finding coming up the hill.

"Her jumping was very good and she was safe and clever. I felt I would have been a comfortable winner if it was a true run race."

(TW & AM)