Morning Supreme proves too good for her rivals

Report: Limerick, Sunday

Dawn Omega Milk European Breeders Fund Mares Novice Hurdle (Listed) 2m, 4yo+

RUBY WALSH triumphed in splendid isolation on Morning Supreme at Limerick as the odds-on favourite led from start to finish.

The talented mare, who was fifth to Dunguib at Cheltenham last year, was two-from-two over hurdles before today's race and never looked to be in any danger of losing her perfect jumps record.

Willie Mullins and Ruby Walsh teamed up for another Irish victory

  PICTURE: Caroline Norris  

Well backed throughout the day, the Willie Mullins-trained front-runner went off at the skinny odds of 1-2 but more than justified her backers' faith, turning in a commanding performance.

The odd jumping error was always more likely to endanger the processional nature of Morning Supreme's victory than her opposition, although eventual third For Bill was a game loser, coming off the bridle over three out in an effort to stay with the winner - cruising under a motionless Walsh - but resolutely plugging on to the line, where she was just pipped by Blazing Tempo.

That brought For Bill's perfect seven race record to a close and, while outclassed by Mullins' mare, the Michael Winters-trained third deserves credit for a gutsy performance on ground less testing than ideal.

Blazing Tempo followed up her surprise victory at Leopardstown in good fashion but had she attempted to take on Morning Supreme in the same manner as For Bill did then it is doubtful she would have finished as strongly as she did.

Patrick Mullins, representing his father, said about the winner: "She doesn't jump EasyFix hurdles as well as regulation ones, but she did it very easily.

"Ruby said she settled better today and she'll go to Punchestown and Fairyhouse [festivals]."

Donal Sheahan, owner of For Bill, said: "She did everything right. She tracked the leaders, but just wasn't good enough."