Eglantine scores on Irish debut

Eglantine Du Seuil made it two from two in the opener at Sligo, the Hop House 13 Lager Mares Maiden Hurdle.

Previously trained in France, and successful in an AQPS race at Fontainebleau in October, the daughter of Saddler Maker was subsequently bought by Harold Kirk for E85,000 at Arqana in November.

Making her debut this evening for Willie Mullins and Sullivan Bloodstock Ltd, she was expected to deliver, going off the 4/5 favourite under Ruby Walsh.

Settled behind the leaders, the bay victor took closer order before two out, and was pushed along to lead before the last.

She was then ridden out on the run-in, coming home four and quarter lengths to the good. Misty Mountain (25/1 to 16/1 on-course) finished a fine second under Liam McKenna for James Lambe, while 14/1 chance Song Of The Sky was another five and a half lengths back in third.

Walsh, who combined with Willie Mullins for a double at the last Sligo meeting on August 9th, said afterwards: "She's jumped well, travelled well and done it well. The ground is beautiful."

Additional reporting by Alan Magee