Karalee and Ruby Walsh winning in Killarney© Photo Healy Racing
Karalee proved herself different class to her rivals in the two mile one maiden hurdle contest that got Killarney's card under way.
The 1/2 favourite, with Ruby Walsh up, tanked along in second just behind St Peter's Square coming to the fourth last. Sophie's World was well in touch in third at this stage.
Karalee picked up the lead at the third last as Sophie's World tracked her through on the outside. St Peter's Square soon came under pressure and dropped to third.
Karalee was still on the bridle popping the second last while Adrian Heskin was starting to get busy on board Sophie's World. Over the last the Willie Mullins-trained filly was clear and won in a canter by seven and a half lengths from Sophie's World (7/2).
"We kept her a maiden to keep her a novice and she is a novice with a big future," Ruby Walsh said.
"If it stays raining she'll probably have another run, if it dries up you probably won't see her for a while."
St Peter's Square was 16 lengths adrift of the runner-up in third at 8/1.
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
