Vedette all heart in opener

Voler La Vedette found another gear in the closing stages to get back up and land the spoils in the opening Grade 2 hurdle on National Day at Fairyhouse.

Andrew Lynch had hit the front two out on the well supported 11/8 favourite but she looked a sitting duck as Blackstairmountain cruised into contention behind her.

Ruby Walsh sent his mount to the front at the final flight but he started to idle on the run-in and Voler La Vedette stuck her head in front again to record a length-and-a-half success.

The Colm Murphy-trained mare has been covered by Presenting and a scan tomorrow will decide if she retires or heads to Punchestown.

"She probably got there early enough and it was as well that Willie's came past so soon as it allowed her the chance to fight back," said Murphy

"She'll have a scan tomorrow. If she's not in foal she'll go to Punchestown for the two-miler or three-miler, depending on ground.

"I'm pleased with the manner she won today and she's obviously got loads of ability."

Lynch also admitted he had hit the lead earlier than he had intended:- "She's a very tough mare. I probably got there a bit soon. There wasn't much of a gallop so I thought I'd probably be better off being up there.

"When we got there she wasn't doing a lot in front. Ruby went past me in a couple of strides but luckily enough his lad idled and I picked up again.

"She's a proper good mare."

Blackstairmountain made Betfair history when becoming the first horse to be beaten on three separate occasions after trading at 1-100 in running.