Odds-on Barra beaten by Artist

The Willie Mullins trained Court Artist overturned the 4/9 favourite Barra in the Casey Tarmacadam Mares Hurdle.

Successful on her second start over flights at Ballinrobe last month, the winner was sent off a 100/30 chance this afternoon.

Having raced mainly in third, the daughter of Court Cave came with her effort on the outer as they entered the straight.

She soon gained a narrow lead, and was ridden out on the run-in, going on to score by three lengths in the colours of the Blue Blood Racing Club.

Barra couldn't match the winner from the last, and she had to settle for second under Davy Russell for Gordon Elliott. Alletrix was a further two lengths back in third, while the front-running High Nellie finished last of the four.

Walsh said afterwards: "It was a bit of a surprise I suppose. We did have a good fitness edge on Barra, and maybe that's what told in the end.

"She is a handy little filly, she keeps surprising us, and we will keeping going forward with her."