French Made and Paul Townend © Photo Healy Racing
French Made grabbed her opportunity after getting in as first reserve in the opening Kilsheelan Mares Maiden Hurdle at Clonmel.
The Willie Mullins-trained French import proved easy to back on her first outing on these shores, returning at 3/1 having been as short as 10/11 before racing.
Paul Townend tracked the leaders, on his mount, before sending her to the front turning for home in the two-mile contest.
She galloped on strongly from the last to record a three-and-a-half length success. 5/4 favourite Edene D'arc just edged the runner-up spot by a short-head from Kilbarry Lilly
The winner had finished runner-up in a bumper on her sole outing in her native land last April.
"She was getting a lot of weight off a mare who had more experience than her and the further she was going the better she was going,” said Mullins.
“She wasn't impressing me coming down the hill as I thought she was coming off the bridle and Paul said the same.
"We'll probably go up in trip but she could be alright at this trip if we ever get winter ground. We've had soft ground at Tramore, Cork and at Limerick
"She will progress in mares' novice races and she will probably get a Triumph entry but she will want to be a lot sharper.
"She is owned by Sean McManus and his daughter Julie, from Drogheda who couldn't be here but take a big interest."
(Quotes by Tom Weekes)
