Easy for Piste in Clonmel opener

Hors Piste cruised clear before the final flight to post a facile victory in the opening mares maiden hurdle at Clonmel today.

The Willie Mullins-trained mare was narrowly denied on her Irish debut at Tramore on New Year's Day and went to post an 8/13 shot to go one better this afternoon.

Paul Townend tracked the leaders on the hotpot before hitting the front turning for home. 40/1 shot Little Token tried to go with the eventual winner but cried enough from the penultimate flight.

Hors Piste soon scooted clear and was hard held passing the line to record a 16 length victory.

Townend said afterwards:- "She raced more efficiently today as she was a shade keen in Tramore. The stronger gallop today suited her and I think she improved for her Tramore run as well.

"She jumps really well and she is smart.

"If she was to run in the mares' novice hurdle at Cheltenham, you'd imagine she would have to go straight there at this stage. It is heavy out there today so we'll see what it takes out of her, but she did it nicely."

(Quotes by Tom Weekes)