Shewearsitwell, near side, grabs the lead over the last © Photo Healy Racing
Shewearsitwell landed the odds for Willie Mullins in a sprint finish to the Tote Sliabh Luachra Hurdle in Killarney.
It was a sedately-run affair and she went off 2/7 to oblige as her task was made easier when both of her stablemates, Jon Snow and Cashback, were withdrawn due to the going in addition to Henry de Bromhead's Amirite (coughing).
She was switched out after the third last and found herself between The Bosses Oscar and Soviet Pimpernel on her outer.
Paul Townend 's mount closed in the centre and a good jump at the last saw her claim Off You Go She ran on well to win a shade snugly by a length and a quarter. Off You Go took the runner-up spot at 14/1.
Townend said: "With the (three) horses coming out, it looked on paper as though it would be a tactical affair and she travelled very strongly and has a lot of pace.
"She took a very heavy fall at Leopardstown and they did an unbelievable job putting her back together. She had the run in Punchestown the last day and has probably improved from that run."
The Stewards enquired into possible interference on the approach to the last hurdle involving The Bosses Oscar ridden by J.W. Kennedy, placed fourth, and Shewearsitwell ridden by P. Townend, placed first, where it appeared The Bosses Oscar got tight for room. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. J.W. Kennedy stated that his run was coming to an end when Shewearsitwell jumped left taking his ground. P. Townend stated that The Bosses Oscar was leaning out on top of his filly and he was trying to keep a straight line as best he could. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that while Shewearsitwell had caused interference to The Bosses Oscar, she did not improve her finishing position as a result of this interference so they made no alteration to the Judge’s placings. They were, however, of the opinion that P. Townend was in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden carelessly and having considered his record in this regard the Stewards cautioned him on this occasion.
Additional reporting by Tom Weekes
