Voler La Vedette, who ran such a game race in defeat behind Big Buck's in the World Hurdle last week, is likely to be next seen at the Punchestown Festival.

Trainer Colm Murphy skipped a clash with Quevega in the OLBG Mares' Hurdle to take on Paul Nicholls' superstar over three miles, and it so nearly paid off.

Andrew Lynch attempted to avoid being drawn into a battle with Ruby Walsh's mount, but the champion pulled out more to win by nearly two lengths and claim a fourth World Hurdle crown.

Murphy said: "We thought we had a chance going to the last. It was a case of staying away from him (Big Buck's) and try and get by him as quick as we could.

"If they hadn't have taken him on as far out and taken the sting out of everything else we'd maybe have had the pace to get by him, but he's a phenomenal horse.

"I was absolutely delighted with the way she ran and I'm over the moon.

"She'll get an entry in Punchestown and if she's all right I'd imagine she'll go there," the County Wexford handler told At The Races.