Kate impresses on hurdling debut

Augusta Kate took the switch to hurdling in her stride to complete a treble on the afternoon for Willie Mullins and Ruby Walsh in the Sportsmens Mares Maiden Hurdle at Thurles.

The daughter of Yeats and top class racemare Feathered Lady won three times in bumpers last season including at the Punchestown Festival.

The step up to 2m7f on her jumping debut proved no problem as she headed front-runner Black Franks Angel two out and cruised clear approaching the final flight.

The 2/9 favourite was not extended to beat the staying on Ask Susan by three lengths, with Black Franks Angel another four lengths away in third.

Mullins and Walsh were on the mark earlier in the day with Bellow Mome and Champagne Fever in the featured Listed chase.

Mullins said, "She jumped nicely. I didn't think a trip would be any problem to her even though I don't like starting them off at that trip (2m7f). It was a mares' maiden so we said we'd take our chance.

"We'll step her up nicely in class around Christmas time in a nice novice race. Ruby said she was a bit keen early on and was just trying to settle her but he was delighted with her."

(TW & AM)