Sainte Lucie makes instant impact on Irish debut Sainte Lucie made an instant impact on her Irish debut, easily accounting for 19-rivals in the Celebrate The New Year With Tote 3-Y-O Maiden Hurdle. Bought by current connections after finishing third at Auteuil in April, the Great Pretender bay was widely expected to make the breakthrough this afternoon, going off the clear favourite at 8/11 (4/5 early). Settled in a close second by Paul Townend, the Willie Mullins-trained victor was sent to the front before the penultimate obstacle and she readily stretched clear early in the straight, eventually coming home 11-lengths to the good. Well-supported from 16s into a starting price of 9/2, Luker's Tipple ran a fine race to finish second on his first start over flights, with fellow hurdling debutant Ephesus (16/1 from 50s early) another 13-lengths away in third. The front-running Chortal, who was the second choice of punters at 7/2, faded from two out and eventually finished ninth. "Paul was very happy with her and loved the way she galloped through that ground," Mullins reflected. "I'd imagine we'll be going for the top events with her. She looks top drawer." Paddy Power and Betfair cut the winner into 16/1 (from 33s) for the Triumph Hurdle. Additional reporting by Alan Magee
