Townend scores on Mullins' shorty at Cork

The 2/15 favourite Aurora Vega trained by Willie Mullins for the Hammer & Trowel Syndicate, had little difficulty in making a winning debut over jumps in the Mallow Mares Maiden Hurdle.

A Grade 3 bumper winner last year, the sister to recently ill-fated four-time Grade 1 winner Facile Vega tracked the leaders before taking over after three out. Initially green when hitting the front, she soon had matters under control and went away to score by 14 lengths from Folly Beach  

Winning rider Paul Towned said: "She had a look around but it is wide open out there and her ability kicked in in the home straight. She has a little bit to work on but has a brilliant jump in her. 

"I think there is plenty to come from her."

Quotes from Tom Weekes