A lovely start from Florishwells

The betting said Florishwells D'ete (4/7) wouldn't be beaten in the Shantou At Burgage Stud Maiden Hurdle at Gowran and so it proved as the French-import brought up a double for Willie Mullins and Ruby Walsh.

Following on from the Closutton winner thirty five minutes earlier, Un De Sceaux Florishwells D'ete did a lot right in this two miler as well, on what her hurdling debut.

In front before the fourth, the challengers emerged on either side of the J P McManus-owned Florishwells D'ete at the second last.

Walsh always looked pretty content in the plate though and his faith in the Irish Wells filly was justified as she pulled out more on the run-in to defeat Space Ship by two and three parts of a length.

Mullins remarked: "She pulled her way to the front off what was a slow pace.

"I'd not be afraid to make more use of her the next day as she was caught for toe a bit going to the last but she jumped like a handicapper.

"I couldn't ask for anymore for a first run." (AM & EM)