Listen - Dear can certainly jump

A Robin Des Champs mare out of a Lavirco dam would have breeding aficionados expecting good things over fences, and Listen Dear showed that she could be as smart in this sphere as she's been in others when victorious by twenty lengths under Ruby Walsh in the Connacht Tribune Beginners Chase at Ballinrobe.

The six-year-old started off 'between the flags' before joining Willie Mullins to win a bumper and three hurdles, including at Grade 3 level.

A 5/6 shot for her first start over racecourse fences, the Supreme Horse Racing Club-owned Listen Dear was dominant from the front in this two mile one furlong event, and she impressed with her fencing in the main on her way to easily disposing of Lucky Pat and Mick Thonic

"She did it well, she jumped super for a first timer and she had the class,"

reasoned Walsh afterwards.

"She had class on form, and she showed that again today. She had schooled well at home and she is a winning point-to-pointer which obviously helps. I don't know where she'll go now, it's up to Willie."

(DM & EM)