Voler eases to Down Royal triumph

Colm Murphy's mare Voler La Vedette stretched right away from her rivals to run out a 13-length winner of the WKD Core Hurdle at Down Royal.

The five-year-old was sent off the 5-4 favourite in the hands of Barry Geraghty and took up the running from novice Luska Lad on the turn for home.

Last season's Supreme Novices' Hurdle winner Go Native was a distant second behind the hugely impressive winner.

The race was the main event on day one of the Northern Ireland Festival.

Murphy was delighted with his horse's performance.

"She seems to be improving all of the time and it was a big ask today," added Murphy.

"We've no immediate plans for her, she'll probably run at Leopardstown over Christmas.

"I don't know if she'll have run before then."

Noel Meade was "not overly disappointed" by Go Native's performance.

"Paul (Carberry) was blaming the ground mostly," added Meade.

"If he comes out of the race well we'll probably go for the 'Fighting Fifth' at Newcastle."

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