Mullins and Townend complete brace as Concertista continues on the up

Concertista is disputing favouritism at the head of the Mares’ Hurdle market at Cheltenham after her success in the Grade Three Advent Insurance Irish EBF Mares Hurdle at Leopardstown.

Bringing up a double for Willie Mullins and Paul Townend after their win with Stattler in the previous race, Concertista is 3/1 joint favourite (from 4s) with Honeysuckle as that rival bids to retain her crown. Paddy Power go those prices.

She may have been out of her ground for a time but all was well that ended well for Concertista as she proved too strong for Minella Melody from before the last for a six and a half length win.

“She was very good,” said Mullins.

“It was a searching pace. We thought Mary Frances would go on but Rachael went ahead. That suited our other mare My Sister Sarah

“Paul elected to drop in and I thought he might be a little too far out of it turning into the back straight.

“The pace up front got her back into the race. She was very brave and very good to do what she did there today.

“I'd imagine the Mares Hurdle is the target. She'd look nicely positioned for that race.

“We'll come back here first for the Dublin Racing Festival. She's improving all the time.”

The Stewards reviewed an incident after the final hurdle involving Concertista (FR), ridden by P. Townend, placed first and Minella Melody, ridden by Rachael Blackmore, placed second, where it appeared the two horses may have come close together. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the matter, the Stewards decided that no further action was warranted.

(GC & EM)