Gitane gallops rivals into submission

Gitane Du Berlais proved too strong for her elders when galloping on strongly in the closing stages to land the Grade 3 Solerina Mares Novice Hurdle at Fairyhouse. Theatre Bird cut out the early running in the 2m2f contest but was headed going to the fifth flight by Gitane Du Berlais and soon weakened tamely.

It was between the two Willie Mullins runners turning for home as Vicky De L'Oasis tracked her stable-mate.

The five-year-old, giving away 11lb, couldn't peg back the juvenile who was kept going by Paul Townend to record a comprehensive five length success.

Gitane Du Berlais, the only four-year-old in the field, was popular this morning (best price 7/4) and the support continued on track (from 6/4 into evens favourite).

“It was a good performance. She loved the ground and the extra trip,” said Mullins.

“The way she jumped the last two she had plenty in the tank. This is her ground and we'll probably take her back to France rather than go to Cheltenham as the ground will probably be too quick there.

“It was also a good performance from the second – they are two good mares.”

(Additional reporting by Alan Magee)