Shewearsitwell lunges late to score under Townend

Shewearsitwell got up right on the line to give Paul Townend and Willie Mullins a double in the Pertemps Network Group Handicap Hurdle(Qualifier) at Punchestown.

Stepping up to 3m for the first time, the daughter of Shirocco needed every yard of the trip in order to reel in My Immortal in the shadows of the post.

A three-time winner over flights prior to this, the seven-year-old was last seen when fourth at the Galway festival in September. Captain Conby looked the most likely winner turning into the straight as the Dusty Sheehy trained gelding arrived full of running. However, whether through lack of stamina or fitness, he soon weakened, leaving My Immortal to kick clear.

At that point, the race looked in safe keeping but Townend had other ideas, emerging from out of the chasing pack to throw down the final decisive challenge.

“I don't think the mare helped Paul at all in the first mile, she got herself out of the race,” said Willie Mullins.

“Paul said he tried to get her back interested again and get her on an even keel. He took a chance coming through the inside and it worked but he had to take that chance to get through.

“She was a great help to him from the second last hurdle, over the last, and she just really put down her head in the last 50 yards. I didn't think with 100 yards to run she'd get back up but she was very brave when push came to shove.

“She stays well and I'd imagine now that she's qualified we'll have to have the final as our main aim for the season.

“I'm not sure we need to run here again. We'll have a look at what her likely weight would be in it. It's very seldom I have a runner in that race and I don't feel any need to run her again before it.”

Paddy Power introduced Shewearsitwell into their Pertemps Final market at 10/1(first show)

Additional reporting by Gary Carson