Shewearsitwell takes step up in class in her stride

Shewearsitwell was mightily impressive in maintaining her unbeaten record in the Grade 3 Joe Mac Novice Hurdle at Tipperary.

The 11/8 favourite travelled strongly and readily picked off the leader Goodbye Someday before two out.

She was low at that flight but Paul Townend was motionless as she drew away from her rivals coming to the final flight.

The Shirocco mare wasn’t extended in cruising home by eight lengths from Goodbye Someday (7/2).

Willie Mullins said: “It was a good performance and she's improving all the time.

“She's a sharp little jumper and that was a huge benefit to her in this contest, stepping up in grade.

“At least I know now that she's competitive over the minimum trip, so I wouldn't be afraid to keep her at that trip.

“I'll have a word with Paul though because he said she was probably going as fast as she was able to, so when the better hurdlers come out it might be difficult. So far, so good.

“We're very happy for Closutton Racing Club as it's their first graded winner. It's good to have a nice mare for them.

“We'll try and keep her to mares’ company and she'll have to go up in grade now. The dream would be to be good enough to run in the Royal Bond.

“She's good enough to run in it now anyway and that will be in the back of our minds.

“We might try and find something between now and then for her. Timewise Down Royal could be a possibility for her.”

This was a step up in grade for Shewearsitwell who easily landed a mares’ bumper at Galway before winning a mares’ maiden hurdle in Sligo by eight lengths.

Paddy Power cut Shewearsitwell from 14/1 to 7/1 for the mares’ novices’ hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson