Charme impresses on first start for Mullins Charme De Faust quickened away nicely in the closing stages to make an impressive Irish debut, for Willie Mullins, in the Thurles Maiden Hurdle. The Goliath Du Berlais filly had been runner-up on her sole outing in France last September and went to post 5/6 favourite this afternoon. Paul Townend tracked the leaders before sending his mount into a narrow lead on landing over the second-last. The Rich Ricci-owned four-year-old asserted on the approach to the final flight and pulled clear on the run-in for a nine length success over Dawn Coming. "She handled the ground well, will improve from it as she had a couple of blows and she jumped brilliantly. I was able to use her French experience and I think there is plenty of improvement in her,” said Townend. "I liked how she did it and she has developing to do yet, to fill into her frame. I think she'll have a nice future and when she strengthens up, she'll be a fine mare." Paddy Power made the winner a 14/1 shot (from 25/1) for the Triumph Hurdle. (Quotes by Tom Weekes)
