Asthuria provides Ruby with birthday win

Asthuria made all, as she led home a Willie Mullins trained 1, 2 in the Listed Irish Wire Products Mares Hurdle.

Fifth behind Let's Dance at Cheltenham, she was successful on her most recent outing at the Punchestown Festival.

Sent off the 8/11 favourite today, she went straight to the front under Ruby Walsh, and was pushed along from before two out. She was kept up to her work from there, and came home with four lengths to spare. Good Thyne Tara (2/1) finished second under Paul Townend, while The Nutcracker six and a half lengths back in third.

Ruby Walsh, who is celebrating his 38th birthday today, said afterwards: "She upheld the Punchestown form I suppose. She beat Good Thyne Tara six and a half lengths in Punchestown and giving her 7lbs today, beat her four lengths.

"They are two nice mares and it's a nice pot and nice black-type for the two mares.

"She has fallen late-on twice but I think she wants a fence - I could be wrong."

STEWARDS REPORT

The Stewards received a report from the Clerk of the Scales, Mr.P.L.Malone, that D.N. Russell, rider of Miss Eyecatcher weighed in 1.6lbs overweight. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having considered the evidence, the Stewards found the rider in breach of Rule 231 and having considered his clean record in this regard, suspended him for one race day.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes