Laurina strolls to Sandown success but question remains: how good can she be?

Ruby Walsh admits we will have to wait until Laurina is tested to know just how good she can be. We came no closer to finding out after her 48-length demolition of Sensulano on her much-anticipated reappearance in the Listed Mares’ Hurdle at Sandown.

After the late withdrawal of Got Away and Smaoineamh Alainn, the match became an exhibition as 1-8 favourite Laurina, an unchanged 7-2 second favourite for the Unibet Champion Hurdle, cruised home unchallenged and was met by ironic cheers from the Sandown crowd as she jumped the last.

"We didn't really learn anything but she's fit and couldn't have done it any easier – I knew I’d be half-tanking on the best horse going an even gallop," said Walsh.

"She'll have to step up in grade and this was a good place to start. You want fitness and mileage under your belt before you take on the top horses. The dream is still alive!"

Ruby Walsh with Laurina before the race at SandownCredit: Edward Whitaker

“She’s unbeaten [in Britain], so we don’t know what her ceiling is and that's half the dream of racing, isn't it? Do we ever know how far Altior is going to soar? We don’t and that’s what draws people racing – they want to see how far she can go, that’s what the dream is all about.”

When asked to compare Laurina’s raw ability with that of Champion Hurdle winners Hurricane Fly, Faugheen and Annie Power, the jockey added: “She seems to have it, if what seems to be there is there, but we won’t know until we give her a kick in the belly.”

The six-year-old had not been seen since winning the Grade 1 Mares Novice Hurdle Championship Final at Fairyhouse in April, with connections bypassing a number of high-profile engagements due to the going being deemed too fast.

However, conditions at Sandown were suitably testing and took their toll on Sensulano, who was niggled turning into the back straight and never threatened to land a blow.

Willie Mullins: yet to confirm Laurina's Cheltenham targetCredit: Alain Barr

While admitting it was not the test he anticipated, Mullins’ decision to bring Laurina over paid dividends and she could now head straight to the Cheltenham Festival, although her trainer stopped short of confirming her target race.

“A winner’s a winner and I’m very happy with that,” said Mullins, “We would have liked more competition, but it was an encouraging first run back on testing ground up the straight. I would say she’s improved again for that and is a natural jumper.

Champion Hurdle possible runners and betting

“My priority is getting her to Cheltenham sound. We’ll get her home, make sure everything’s okay and then we’ll perhaps look at the Dublin Racing Festival and some of the races afterwards. She’ll be entered for the Irish Champion Hurdle, but it could come too soon for her.

“A lot of our horses have been taking a run to come right, but she didn’t need it. Ruby said she didn’t take one blow, so she might not need to run again before Cheltenham.”

Laurina created a big impression during her novice campaign last season, notably winning the Grade 2 mares' novice hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.

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