Kate Appleby is a step ahead of rivals

The Demesne Mares Maiden Hurdle looked something of a match beforehand and so it proved as Kate Appleby Shoes edged out Awayinthewest after a terrific tussle at Clonmel.

The Willie Mullins-trained 9/10 favourite was headed by 2/1 chance Awayinthewest at the penultimate flight, and the latter appeared to be just getting the better of the argument when making a mistake at the last.

This handed the initiative back to Ruby Walsh’s mount, and she kept on gamely to prevail by a head.

The front-running The Kings Baby couldn’t find any extra from early in the straight, and finished 20 lengths back in third.

Walsh said, "It is great to win with her and you'd have to be happy with the way she battled back. She's a tough mare and is honest too, which is always a help."

(TW & AM)