Limini eases to victory for Mullins

Limini looks another for Willie Mullins to go to war with as she took the two mile maiden hurdle in Punchestown on her Irish debut.

The four-year-old filly won three times on the flat in France before being snapped up by Mullins and was all the rage this morning in the betting market as she was backed down from 11/8 to 4/6.

However, she was easier to back at the track in being returned the 5/4 favourite.

Paul Townend settled her in fourth as Sandymount Duke cut out the running. She was untidy at the second last but promptly improved into third approaching the home bend.

She was still on the bridle in coming through to narrowly lead at the last. Sandymount Duke, on her inside, jumped that hurdle better though and his momentum took him back in front on the run-in.

Townend had to push Limini for a few strides to get her ahead and she won cosily by half a length from the 20/1 shot. Ballyoisin (9/2) came in third.

Paul Townend said: "She has a fair engine. She's improved every day she's jumped a hurdle and that was a big learning curve again too.

"There was no hiding place today as they went a good gallop from the off. She was very careful and had a good look at the last but I liked the way she knuckled down after the last.

"She has a good engine and the jumping will come, it's just practice.

"It's beautiful ground out there, good jumping ground. I think she'll handle an ease as well."

Willie Mullins was in France watching Val De Ferbet finish second under Ruby Walsh in the Grade Two Prix la Barka at Auteuil.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson