Mullins/Walsh win Fairyhouse opener

The Willie Mullins trained Retour En France gained a somewhat fortunate win in the opening Irish Stallion Farms EBF (Mares) Beginners Chase at Fairyhouse today, as the Ruby Walsh-partnered mare capitalised from the final fence fall of challenging Girly Girl

French bred Retour En France, a daughter of Robin Des Champs, arrived to challenge Girly Girly at the second last fence and while Walsh’s mount then look likely to win, Girly Girl was still upsides with every chance with falling at the final obstacle.

Following the win, Walsh admitted “it was nip and tuck and I don't know who would have won.

“It's testing ground but it is February and we have had quite a bit of rain and also frost so it's what you would expect.

"She jumped super and jumped the last well and it's great that she has won and hopefully can build on it. He jumping won it for her."

By Tom Weekes, quotes from Alan Magee