Venusienne much too good for Tramore rivals The subject of a strong market support, the Willie Mullins-trained Venusienne easily accounted for eight rivals in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Maiden Hurdle. Available at 4/6 in early shows for this two-and-a-half mile contest, the French import was eventually returned the clear 2/7 favourite in the colours of JP McManus. In a definite lead from the second, the Authorized five-year-old, who raced in a first time hood, jumped well throughout and gradually increased her advantage, ultimately easing to a 27-length win. Claire O'Connell's Glenmalure Lady (50/1) filled the runner-up spot under James Smith, while Kom Tu Voudras (5/1) was another length-and-a-half back in third. "I was hopeful of that performance, it wasn't the strongest of races," winning rider Paul Townend reflected. "I think she will settle going a proper gallop. I was happy to try and take a lead today but that didn't last long. "She jumped well, she is accurate and knows what's she at. She was a bit clumsy when I let her in, but I done the unforgiveable when looking behind me. "I got a lovely feel off of her for the majority of it. She took a little blow because she can be hard enough on herself. She is entitled to improve and she done everything I was hoping she would. "I don't think soft ground will inconvenience her, she flew around here in second gear and hopefully she has a bright future."
