Laurina looked different class as she toyed with the opposition to run out an impressive winner of the Trull House Stud Mares' Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham.
Willie Mullins has now won all three runnings of this race and this victory made him the most successful trainer in the history of the Festival, the 4-7 favourite living up to her reputation as she pulled away from the rest of the field from between the last two flights.
Ridden by Paul Townend, who like Mullins was completing a double after the victory of Penhill in the Sun Bets Stayers' Hurdle, Laurina crossed the line 18 lengths clear of Cap Soleil.
Champayne Lady was a short head away in third and the pacesetting Maria's Benefit fourth.
Mullins, becoming the winning-most trainer in Festival history with 61 victories, said: "She's a fine, big mare. If there was ever going to be a mares' chase in Cheltenham, she's the type of horse you'd want for it.
"Her two runs at home have been very good, but to do that against the best in the British Isles is unbelievable. There's a Grade One in Fairyhouse at Easter. If she recovers we might go for that."
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