Paul Townend proved an able deputy for Ruby Walsh as Bobarlee recorded a convincing victory in the Allied Bakeries Mares Maiden Hurdle at Down Royal.

Walsh was forced to sit the meeting out after a heavy fall yesterday evening at Bellewstown, and missed out on partnering the evens favourite.

The Willie Mullins-trained daughter of Arcadio travelled well throughout, and was sent on from two out by Townend to score by five and a half lengths. Kiera Royale just took the runner-up berth, with Catcheragain a short-head back in third.

Bobarlee had plenty of experience in bumpers before winning at Sligo last month, and was subsequently third when switched to hurdles at Ballinrobe.

Townend said, “She learned a lot from the first day. I had the box seat and everything thing went right. She looked the best horse in the race but it’s seldom things go right that way.”

The six-year-old is owned by the four-strong Temperance Syndicate from Dublin, and spokesman Frank Towey said, "Absolutely delighted. On her debut over hurdles she made a couple of very novicey mistakes and she obviously learned from them today.

"She didn't put a foot wrong, she jumped the first a bit big but settled down into her race after that.

"I thought she ran a smooth race and she was well positioned throughout and got a great ride from Paul. She's very well trained by Willie and all his team down in Closutton.

"Willie was hopeful. He said if she doesn't make any mistakes she should be bang there. I bred her myself."

(MG & AM)