Screaming Rose and Paul Townend pictured on their way to victory© Photo Healy Racing
The Willie Mullins trained Screaming Rose ran out an easy winner of the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Novice Hurdle, getting the better of odds-on stable mate Bel Sas
Successful on her first two starts in bumpers at Galway and Cork last year, the daughter of Darsi was then fourth in a Listed contest at Huntingdon.
She won on her hurdling debut over the course last month, and was sent off a 4/1 chance this afternoon, with Ruby Walsh opting to ride Bel Sas.
Paul Townend was aboard the winner, and he settled his mount in mid-division, as Bel Sas attempted to make all.
The successful five-year-old improved into second before four out, and eased to the front before the next where she made a mistake.
She stretched clear after the second last, and despite a sloppy jump at the last, she came home a very easy eleven length victor.
Bel Sas, who went off the 4/7 market leader, had to settle for second, while Msmilan was another twenty-five lengths back in third under Paddy Kennedy for Jessica Harrington at 10/1.
Paul Townend said afterwards: "Her jumping is still a bit novicy. They went a good gallop and she got a bit outpaced but she stays well and is very versatile ground wise."
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
