Next year’s Grand Steeple-Chase de Paris is a long-term target for Baie Des Iles following her tremendous victory at Auteuil on Sunday.

Making her first appearance since finishing down the field when well fancied for the Grand National at Aintree in April, Ross O’Sullivan’s star mare produced a fine display to claim the Grade Two Prix des Drags under Paul Townend.

Baie Des Iles, who won twice at the Paris circuit four years ago, was a first runner in France for her trainer.

O’Sullivan said: “It was an unbelievable day, just magic. Those sort of days don’t come around too often.

“We really went there just to experience what it was like and be part of it. I don’t think any of us really expected that to happen.

“Paul said it took her a while to warm up into it but she locked on going down the back and he was very happy with her then.”

O’Sullivan confirmed another tilt at the Grand National will not be ruled out, but a return to France is seen as the top priority.

He added: “She’ll have a holiday now and I suppose her main target would have to be the Grand Steeple next May.

“She won twice at Auteuil as a three-year-old as well and obviously loves the place.

“We’ll see how she progresses along but she likes space between her runs and she’ll probably have a quiet enough autumn again.

“I definitely wouldn’t dismiss the Grand National, but there is huge prize-money on offer in France and the Grand Steeple is a huge pot.”