Improving Beach now a Grade 1 queen

Airlie Beach (6s into 4s) remains unbeaten now after seven starts after she took the step-up to Grade 1 company in her stride to land the Bar One Racing Royal Bond Novice Hurdle for Willie and Danny Mullins at Fairyhouse.

Favourite Peace News was ridden to attempt to bridge the gap to the pace-setting Airlie Beach when he fell at the second last. The winner jumped slightly left into Peace New's path. Penhill and Forge Meadow were hampered by the 'jolly's' departure, but there won't be much quibbling about Airlie Beach's superiority as she kept up the gallop resolutely to beat stable companion Saturnas by six and a half lengths.

"She jumped really well compared to my other two. Plan A worked for her anyway," said Willie Mullins.

"We planned to jump off up there and take the race by the scruff of the neck, which she did, and she's a mare that keeps improving.

"I never dreamt that she'd be a Grade One mare. It's an extraordinary result for her and for Supreme Racing.

"She's a fantastic jumper and gallops all day."

Unfortunately Labaik refused to race.

Meanwhile for the mares' novices' hurdle at Cheltenham Airlie Beach is 7/2 from 8/1 with Paddy Power. Willie Mullins to train a 1-2-3 in the same race is 5/1 from 6/1.

The Stewards spoke to Gordon Elliott, trainer of Labaik (FR), concerning the conduct of this horse who refused to race . The Stewards advised Gordon Elliott, that, a repeat performance may render his charge liable for suspension.

Impressive. Airlie Beach remains unbeaten as she lands the Grade 1 Royal Bond Novice Hurdle at @Fairyhouse: https://t.co/cytYEPlsUY

— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) December 4, 2016

(AM & EM)