Popova bounced back to form in the Kerry Group Irish EBF Mares Hurdle, just getting the better of Space Tourist who was returned the clear favourite at 30/100.

Successful on her racecourse debut in December, the Henry de Bromhead-trained victor had been ultimately disappointing since, finishing fifth at Bellewstown on her most recent start.

Sent off an easy-to-back 17/2 chance (from 9/2 early) in the colours of David Maughan, the Ruler Of The World chestnut was poised to challenge in third on the approach to the straight.

Ridden in second away from the last, she was soon engaged in a tussle with Space Tourist, with just a short head separating them at the line.

Paul Townend was aboard the runner-up for Willie Mullins, with the front-pair stretching 13-lengths clear of Miss Fourie in third.

"It was a great result and she is a nice mare who stepped forward from the last day. She dived at the second-last a bit but battled on well to the line," winning rider Rachael Blackmore reflected.

"She didn't travel at all for me in Bellewstown the last day but travelled a lot better today. Maybe she likes the smaller field-sizes but it was also her first day up in trip and she stayed at it well."

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes