Robin flies home under Townend

Robin De Carlow upstaged stable mate Good Thyne Tara as she stayed on best to take the Listed Maurice Powers Solicitors Irish EBF Mares Hurdle.

Successful on her first two starts at Ballinrobe and Kilbeggan, the Willie Mullins trained victor was a bit disappointing when third on her most recent effort at the Co Westmeath venue.

Back up in trip today to two mile six, the daughter of Robin Des Champs was sent off an 11/4 chance under Paul Townend for the Supreme Horse Racing Club.

Settled in third, the five-year-old victor was pushed along from the second last, and soon came with challenge.

She got the front shortly after the final flight, and kept on well in the closing stages to score by two lengths. Awayinthewest (7/1) finished second for Barry Geraghty and Pat Fahy, while the 4/9 favourite Good Thyne Tara was another two and a half lengths back in third under the returning Ruby Walsh.

Townend said afterwards: "She is learning the job and they went a good gallop up front. We were able to pick up the pieces.

"Barry (Geraghty, on Awayinthewest) kept Ruby (Good Thyne Tara) good and honest up front and we were able to mop up the pieces up the straight.

"She was rushed off her feet a bit early at Kilbeggan the last day and that experience and the step up in trip suited her."

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes