Salley impresses in the opener at Navan

Our Girl Salley got her hurdling career off to the best possible start when readily landing the I N H Stallion Owners EBF Maiden Hurdle at Navan.

Barry Geraghty had the three-time bumper winner tucked in behind the leaders before making his move in the straight. The daughter of Carroll House was spring heeled at the final two flights, and stretched right away to beat the promising Sugar Bullet by ten lengths with Ballyburke a further five and a half lengths adrift in third.

The 7/4 favourite Jetson was brought down before the race really developed when Three Way Bond fell in front of him five out, and Paul Carberry has been stood down for the remainder of the afternoon.

“She's a winter horse and it takes some getting the two and a half miles in soft ground at Navan. She put in a superb jumping display and settled very well. The plan now is to find a nice mares novice hurdle,” said winning trainer Prunella Dobbs.