TRULL HOUSE STUD

MARES NOVICES HURDLE

(Grade 2)

AFTER Annie Power and Vroum Vroum Mag had made their mark on the opening day, the stage was set for Limini to bring up the hat-trick for Mullins-trained mares and she duly did so in the meeting’s newest edition.

From the moment she made a successful Irish debut at Punchestown last May, Limini has been touted as the one to beat in this Grade 2. A comeback success in a Fairyhouse Grade 3 in January only reinforced that view and supporters of the 8/11 favourite would have been on good terms with themselves throughout.

Limini, a three-time flat winner in France prior to her €100,000 purchase at the sales, produced a smooth round of jumping for Ruby Walsh and she was still full of running when jumping two out on the heels of the leaders.

As he went in search of a record equalling seventh winner of the meeting, Walsh exuded the utmost confidence in his mount and he only asked her to quicken to the front nearing the last. Another nimble jump there made sure of a one sided four and a half lengths win over 50/1 chance Dusky Legend.

“We bought her on one bid at the sales and she’s a very nice filly,” observed Mullins. “She was a bit novicey on her first run for us but she was better next time and was better again today. From day one she’s shown us plenty.

“She’s a flat-bred filly so she’s not going to be going chasing and it’s possible we might try her back on the flat at some stage. Whether that’s the right thing to do after the work we’ve put in to get settled I don’t know, but the Ascot Stakes is a race that might suit her.”