Diamond sparkles in mares' Grade 1

Ashroe Diamond stamped her class on proceedings with an easy victory in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Honeysuckle Mares Novice Hurdle at Fairyhouse.

The Willie Mullins-trained mare missed Cheltenham after failing to please her handler in the build up and went to post 2/1 favourite in this afternoon's Grade 1 contest.

Paul Townend settled his mount mid-division in the early stages of the two-and-a-half mile contest before scything through the field turning for home, as Whatcouldhavebeen kicked clear.

She closed on that rival at the second last and jumped to the front at the final flight.

The daughter of Walk In The Park soon settled matters as she stretched clear for a five length success.

Assistant David Casey said:- “She was very good, Paul said she did everything right.

“She got a bit keen, they went stop-start a bit but she travelled like a dream and jumped brilliant. She did it very easy.

“Who knows what would have happened at Cheltenham but it's great to win today, it's very important for the mares.

“She did everything right and hopefully she'll go forward next year.

“She got a nasty cut behind there and I'd say she'll need a couple of stitches.”