Jer's Girl a landmark Grade One for Cromwell

Jer's Girl gave trainer Gavin Cromwell a first Grade One victory when stamping her authority on the Mares Novice Hurdle Championship Final at Fairyhouse.

The four-year-old filly sported JP McManus' colours for the first time and readily justified 3/1 favouritism.

She swept round the home bend to loom large on the outside of Monbeg Rose She was travelling the better and took a narrow advantage jumping the second last.

Barry Geraghty sent her on after negotiating that hurdle and she powered away to be five lengths clear at the final flight.

On the run-in she bounded away to increase the lead to 13 lengths. Jessber's Dream (7/2) held on for second by a short head from Asthuria (4/1).

Gavin Cromwell said: "That's fantastic. I couldn't believe how well she did it. I quietly fancied her. It's brilliant.

"I'm in shock and she's done it so well. I wasn't worried about the two and a half miles particularly as it isn't bottomless ground.

"All her form is solid but you just don't know about a juvenile taking on the older horses. Punchestown has to be part of the plans.

"Her (former) owners were against going to Cheltenham on the faster ground, and in fairness it looks a good decision."

Barry Geraghty added: "She's lovely. I suppose her form tied in really well with the best of the four-year-olds. Gavin did well with her all year. She seems to have stepped up again today.

"She's game, she jumps, she travels, she stays. She's a lovely mare. Gavin's done brilliant with her and she seems to be improving with each run.

"After that rain the ground is plenty soft."

Additional reporting by Alan Magee