The Willie Mullins-trained Fancy Girl proved much too strong for her rivals as she defied a long absence to claim the mares maiden hurdle at Cork.

The Champs Elysees mare went to post 13/8 favourite on her first start since April 2023 and made all under Paul Townend.

She made a few mistakes on the way around and was untidy when asked for an effort three from home.

The chestnut opened up over the next flight, however, and was clear when making a slight mistake at the last, going on to post a 13-length success over Full Of Life

Townend said:- "She has a brilliant jump in her but just lost respect for them and if she was in a more competitive race, she'd be better. I couldnt ask her to do any more.

"The one thing she can do is jump and I've schooled her myself at home so watching that, they mightn't let me school her anymore!

"She has loads of power and the race wasn't competitive enough for her but she was impressive in the end. I couldn't believe how far clear away I was when I looked back after the last, as she had to pick up after missing a couple of hurdles.

"Her bumper season flattened out but she is stronger now and, with the size of her, I'd say she might have been weak enough then."

It was the second winner on the card for Mullins, who had also claimed the opener with Kel Histoire

(Quotes by Tom Weekes)