LAURINA STORMED TO victory for Willie Mullins in the Unibet Mares’ Hurdle at Sandown in what was her first appearance of the season.
The six-year-old landed a Grade One event at Fairyhouse last April after previously winning the mares’ novice hurdle at Cheltenham Festival.
This victory will enhance her claims for the Champion Hurdle as she takes her 100% record over hurdles to five from five.
Great to see Laurina back on the track, a very easy winner of the Unibet Mares' Hurdle for @Ruby_Walsh and Willie Mullins at @Sandownpark.
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) January 5, 2019
Your choice for the Champion Hurdle? pic.twitter.com/fIDORvEcnd
With Ruby Walsh on board, Laurina led from the start after the race was reduced to a match against Sensulano when both Got Away and Smaoineamh Alainn emerged as late withdrawals.
Sensulano kept in touch with her until the final two flights before Laurina raced into an insurmountable lead and went on to win by 48 lengths.
Meanwhile, the Colin Tizzard-trained Elixir De Nutz claimed the Unibet Tolworth Hurdle for owner Terry Warner at Sandown.
In what was a thrilling finish, five-year-old came in just half a length ahead of Grand Sancy in the Grade One prize with Southfield Stone coming home in third place.
Speaking to Racing TV after the race, Tizzard said that Elixir De Nutz is unlikely to race again until Cheltenham.
Elixir De Nutz proves too tough to crack at @Sandownpark and brings up the hat-trick in the Grade 1 Unibet Tolworth Hurdle for Tom O'Brien and Colin Tizzard.
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) January 5, 2019
Results ➡ https://t.co/7iJOPsvjqx pic.twitter.com/dvyfgM9jDO
“I wouldn’t think there’s any chance of him running between now and Cheltenham. He’s had a tough old race today, he’s had four runs already this season so it’d be nice to save him for the three festivals later on.”
Gavan Casey, Murray Kinsella and Andy Dunne preview the weekend’s action:
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