Gelee Blanche came good in style to get off the mark at the seventh time of asking in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Maiden Hurdle at Tramore.

Successful handler Willie Mullins was in little doubt about where the step-up came from, saying "The ground made the difference. Brian (Hayes, winning jockey) said even when she stepped out on the grass to go down to the start there was a different spring to her step altogether.”

Gelee Blanche (3/1) scampered clear approaching the last to slam Sheer Liss by six and a half lengths.

Mullins further reflected: “Hopefully now she can improve as the summer goes on. She has a lot of Galway connections with the Tiger Tail Again Syndicate so I'd imagine that will be her long-term aim, get back to the Festival in Galway this summer."

He added: "I have no update on Paul Townend (sidelined stable jockey). We are just waiting for as long as we have to wait."

The Stewards received a report from the Clerk of the Scales, Mr. P. Deegan, that R. Deegan, rider of Belles Benefit placed fifth, failed to weigh in after this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned who accepted that he had not presented himself at the scales for weighing in and apologised for his actions. Having considered the evidence, the Stewards used their powers under Rule 230 to disqualify Belles Benefit from fifth place. Furthermore, the Stewards found R. Deegan in breach of Rule 227 and having considered his record they suspended him for two race days and ordered him to forfeit her riding fee.

Amended result:

1st Gelee Blanche

2nd Sheer Liss

3rd Saucy Yeats 0A4th Erins Benefit 0A5th Cassidys Girl

(DM & EM)