Blue Velvet asserted late on to make a winning start for Willie Mullins in the concluding bumper at Thurles this afternoon.

The Blue Bresil filly had unseated when on contention on her sole point-to-point outing before joining Gigginstown for 170,000 euro.

She went to post 4/5 favourite this afternoon and was produced to challenge early in the straight by Patrick Mullins.

The four-year-old edged ahead going to the furlong marker but was joined in the closing stages by 80/1 shot La Conquiere Blue Velvet quickened again late on to secure a three-parts-of-a-length win.

"She is a nice addition to the mares ranks,” said Mullins.

“She was very green and lazy so was learning on the job and to pull it out again in the final 100 yards when the other horse came to her, was a great sign.

"She looks like a really nice type and looks another one for the DRF mares' bumper. Hopefully then she will go across the water and to Punchestown."

(Quotes by Tom Weekes)