Idol has taken the road less travelled - having left her breeder and champion trainer Willie Mullins' yard following a bumper success, and today landed Punchestown's SkyBet Request A Bet Handicap Hurdle for Cheltenham-winner Sam Curling.

Successful on 2022 Roscommon bumper debut for breeder and then-owner Mullins, Idol reappeared following 419 days off for trainer Curling and new owners Diarmaid McHugh and John Dwan last September.

Today, Idol (nicely supported at 100/30) made her handicap debut and in the race improved to lead at the last, beating runner-up Arderu Ru by 1.75 lengths.

Kim Muir Chase-winning trainer Curling wasn't present with winning jockey Philip Enright, riding his 20th win this term, reporting “we met a small traffic leaving the back straight and she jumped so well that the hurdles being omitted (due to low sun) wasn't ideal. In fairness she was good and bold at the last and toughed it out.

“She won a bumper, had three nice runs in maidens hurdles and this was a drop back in class in her own company. She doesn't mind soft ground but I don't know if she'd want real winter ground. The ground is only soft on the hurdles track and we have fresh ground.

“Sam is down in Turtulla today with a few point-to-pointers. His horses are in great form at the minute and it's great to be riding for him.”

Quotes from Gary Carson