Reine routs rivals Reine Angevine got off the mark over hurdles in great style when claiming the Thomastown Maiden Hurdle at Gowran Park. Ruby Walsh moved up to claim front-runner Smithfield at the second last on the French-bred and she soon had things under control. The Willie Mullins-trained 4/1 shot kicked on before the last and despite an untidy leap there she never looked in danger, easing home on the run-in for a nine-and-a-half length success. Dumbarton got the better of the long-time leader going to the last to claim the runner-up spot while 7/2 favourite Enchanted Forest failed to land a blow in fifth. Reine Angevine was making amends after being turned over at a short-price on her jumping debut at Listowel. "I thought she'd improve from her first run over hurdles but I didn't think she'd do something like that," said Walsh afterwards. "I was really taken with that and she surprised me. They went a right gallop which probably suited her. She jumped brilliant all the way but just missed the last." (On course reporting by Alan Magee)
