'Top marks to Paul' - Townend at his best as Brandy Love bags first Grade 1 win

Fairyhouse: Sunday

He may have been aboard the most talented runner in the line-up, but champion jockey Paul Townend delivered a ride fitting of his title as the kinky but classy Brandy Love notched a first Grade 1 success in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Novice Hurdle Championship Final.

Hanging and jumping badly to her left saw the Mike Grech-owned six-year-old throw away an otherwise certain victory in the Solerina Mares Novice Hurdle at Fairyhouse in January, demonstrating the fact she is anything but an easy ride.

Hopes were high she would be more straightforward to handle when going left-handed at Cheltenham last month in the Mares' Novices' Hurdle, but a hoof infection at the 11th hour saw her ruled out of that Grade 2, which was won by the unbeaten Love Envoi.

Returning to the scene of her previous waywardness, there were still some shenanigans from the Willie Mullins-trained youngster in her inefficient jumping.

However, it was testament to the mare's talent and Townend's horsemanship that she managed to end Love Envoi's unbeaten record with a sizzling eight-length success.

The gallant Harry Fry-trained raider finished a creditable second from the front-running Hors Piste.

Click here to watch Brandy Love stride away with Grade 1 honours

Mullins was making it a record-extending sixth win in the race he landed with Champion Hurdle heroine Annie Power in 2013.

The champion trainer also equalled the record for most runners from one stable in a Group 1 or Grade 1, sending out eight in this €100,000 prize to match Aidan O'Brien's eight in the 2007 Derby at Epsom.

Mullins said: "Paul did a fantastic job of keeping her straight and between the rails up the straight because we saw how she virtually went off the track last time and gave away her race. Top marks to Paul for producing her like that.

Paul Townend celebrates aboard Brandy LoveCredit: Patrick McCann

"It was a great race. We had the Cheltenham winner Love Envoi here, and we beat her fair and square on the day, I think. This mare has a lot of ability and I think if we can get her going back left-handed it will be better for her."

Despite being cut to 7-1 joint-favourite (from 14) for next season's Mares' Hurdle at Cheltenham, Mullins seemed unsure whether Brandy Love would definitely be kept in training next season, now a valuable broodmare prospect after scoring at the highest level.

Mullins said: "She has her little problems and that's why she goes left. We'll see what the owner wants to do; whether he'll keep her racing or breed from her.

"I don't know what he'll want to do but I'll leave it up to him. She obviously looks like a good race mare but drifts left and that's not ideal, so we'll see what happens."

He added: "I'd imagine that will be it with her for the season. I can't see us going to Punchestown and there's probably nothing left-handed for her."

Results, replays and analysis

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