Foley building link with champion trainer

Jack Foley maintained a one hundred per cent record for Willie Mullins as Statuaire completed a quick double for the champion trainer in the BoyleSports Novice Hurdle at Wexford.

The French import was making it two wins from as many runs since joining the Closutton maestro following up an easy win in a Downpatrick maiden hurdle last month.

Stable-companion Elite Charboniere set the pace until folding quickly approaching the second last and which point Foley sent Statuaire to the front.

The 8/11 favourite held about a length advantage over Wouldn’t You Agree when that rival made a mistake at the last and, despite the lead diminishing near the line, she had little trouble scoring by half-a-length.

The pair pulled eight lengths clear of Persia in third.

Foley said, "She done it more snugly than it might show in the result. I was only going through the motions as we went to the line.

"It was nice to see her follow-up on her impressive Downpatrick win. We probably got there too soon but she galloped away to the line and done it like a nice mare. She showed a nice attitude to the line and jumped well at the way. She will be versatile trip wise.

"That's my second winner for Willie and my second ride for him."

(DM & AM)