New trip sees Listen Dear win decisively in Limerick

Listen Dear bounced right back to form with a dominant front-running performance in the Listed Cailin Alainn Mares Hurdle in Limerick.

She had never been seen over a trip as far as an extended two miles six under rules but it suited her marvellously.

Willie Mullins' mare tanked along at her own pace and had the opposition beaten off turning for home, with the exception of Well Set Up who was hard at work in pursuit.

Listen Dear was still on the bridle as she popped the second last five lengths ahead of Well Set Up.

The lead had increased at the last where Well Set Up made a mistake and Listen Dear galloped home by eight lengths at 14/1.

Runner-up Well Set Up was an 11/4 shot and she was 10 lengths in front of third-placed Awayinthewest (10/1).

Jockey Paul Townend said: "After doing a circuit, while I was still in front, I could feel her growing in confidence underneath me. She seemed to have lost her confidence but that will do her the world of good.

"Going up in trip was something we had to try because it wasn't working back at two miles and she was able to go that gallop today in her comfort zone.

"The future wasn't looking bright after her last couple of runs but she was definitely back to herself there and she likes that ground."

This was Listen Dear's ninth career victory. She was last victorious in a mares' chase at this track in May 2017.

Additional reporting by Tom Weekes