Victory for Triumph winner

Triumph Hurdle winner Burning Victory returned to winning ways over jumps in Punchestown's featured Grade 3 Watch On Racing TV Quevega Mares Hurdle today, scoring for trainer Willie Mullins and jockey Paul Townend.

Burning Victory's previous hurdles win was in the 2020 Triumph Hurdle, a race dramatically lost by Goshen at the final flight, and as a result of her winless spell, today raced without a penalty.

Runner-up Queens Brook gave chase, and 3lbs, to pace-setting Burning Victory throughout the 2m4f race and while the winner tired in the closing stages, held on for a length and a half win.

By Nathaniel, the sire of dual Prix de l'Arc winner Enable, Burning Victory herself collected two French flat wins last summer and following today's race, Mullins reported “I was very happy with her jumping.

“I think it's the first time she's ever jumped without making a mistake so the cheekpieces were a big help to her.

“She still jumped a little tall. I think she needed the race, especially the way she finished but she did go a fast gallop and was probably tying up a little bit at the end.

“I'd imagine she'll go for the Mares Hurdle at Cheltenham, that's the plan.”

Paddy Power later cut Burning Victory to 7/1, from 8s, for the Mares' Hurdle at Cheltenham while Queens Brook was also trimmed to 8s, from 10/1.

Quotes from Gary Carson