Abi proves just Champ for Mullins and Townend Abi's Champ shed her maiden tag at the first attempt when proving far too strong for the opposition in the Paddy Power Dear Lord I've Left The Immersion On Mares Maiden Hurdle at Cork. A dual bumper winner over the summer months, the Leading Light mare improved on those efforts to finish an honourable third in a Listed bumper on her most recent outing at Gowran. Switched to jumping this afternoon, the Willie Mullins trained five-year-old was always handily positioned under the champion jockey, taking over from Mag Dillane after the fourth last before skipping clear. Joint even money favourite Banprionsa went in pursuit from the third last flight but was always fighting a losing battle, never really getting close to the easy six-and-a-half length winner. The winner was dismounted after pulling up and didn't return to the winner's enclosure. Paul Townend said: "She was lame on pulling up unfortunately. "I couldn't have been happier with her throughout the race and her jumping warmed up. She had a look when I was in front but opened up down the straight. "I think she could be good but the important this is she will hopefully be ok." Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes.
