Vedettariat finally builds on promising start

It seems a long time now since Vedettariat won the high-profile four-year-old maiden point-to-point at Belharbour for Pat Doyle. Fact is though that he's only a six-year-old yet and the Lavirco gelding gained his first victory on the racecourse proper when landing the Demesne Maiden Hurdle at Clonmel.

The Thurles second placer, from three weeks back, shared favouritism with the 'bronze medallist' from that occasion, Venitien De Mai and it was hardly any surprise when Ruby Walsh's mount, Vedettariat ,out-speeded that four time scorer 'between the flags,' from before the final flight.

In the end the Mrs Susannah Ricci-owned and Willie Mullins-trained Vedettariat had three lengths in hand, with a twelve length break back to 66/1 chance, Kilford in third.

Mullins said: "That was a long time coming and I'll also have to thank Michael Hourigan for saddling him for me!

"He'll run in handicaps next, over longer, as he wants three miles plus. I was surprised and delighted that he won over this trip though (2m 3 1/2f), and ideally he wants a trip and fences." (TW & EM)