Cru takes Thurles opener

The opening Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Beginners Chase at Thurles went to the Willie Mullins trained Cru under the in-form Ruby Walsh.

Walsh produced the Desert Style filly to lead at the last but had to work hard all the way to the line to hold off 33/1 shot Willies Girl by half a length.

Brave Betsey and Dolly Hall looked to be the most obvious threats when they both crashed out at the second last.