Gitane Du Berlais in mid-flight over the last© Photo Healy Racing
Gitane Du Berlais held all the aces going into the four-runner Listed mares' chase at Naas and she powered away on the run-in to justify 6/5 favouritism.
She had scored in Grade One company over fences at Sandown in January last year and was fourth in the Ryanair Gold Cup at Fairyhouse last April. She was well ahead on official ratings in this company but was switching back to fences having been a beaten favourite in her last three hurdle outings.
Ruby Walsh sent her into the lead from flagfall as Queens Wild Carrigmoorna Rock and I'm All You Need followed in racecard order.
The three pursuers closed up on the leader approaching the second last where unfortunately Carrigmoorna Rock suffered a fatal fall while disputing second.
Gitan Du Berlais was untidy at the last as I'm All You Need tried to reel her in. However, Ruby Walsh pushed her out and she soon saw off that rival to win by seven lengths.
I'm All You Need kept on for second at 8/1.
Patrick Mullins said: “It’s very unfortunate what happened to Robert Tyner’s mare.
“Ruby was very happy with her and she was entitled to do that at the weights. She’s had a difficult season so far and these mares races are a good initiative.
“She’s travelled to France before and we may look for something there again.”
Ruby Walsh added: "At the back of the last I wasn't really sure if she was going to go up and down on the one spot or what she was going to do but by the time she got to the winning post she was flying. She went off round the bend to pull up.
"She was entitled to win on form and on ratings so I'm just glad she did.
"She was a bit brave at the last first time around and got under it the second time around. Look she's honest and does her best for you. She stays. Two miles is probably the minimum for her."
This gave Willie Mullins and Ruby Walsh a double after the first two races on the card as they also teamed up with Babbling Stream in the opener.
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
