Aurore d’Estruval and a muddy Tony McCoy in action at Sandown

  PICTURE: Getty Images  

Report: Sandown, Saturday

32Red.com Mares’ Hurdle (Listed) 2m4f, 4yo+

AURORE D’ESTRUVAL defied a market drift before the off to stay on powerfully in the mud up the Sandown hill to take a decisive victory.

Trained by John Quinn for Carl Hinchy, Aurore D’Estruval returned the 6-4 favourite having been as short as evens at one point but travelled and jumped well throughout for jockey Tony McCoy, who was completing a double.

Giving 4lb and upwards away to her rivals, Aurore D’Estruval came into the race with strong form having finished second to Irving in the Grade 1 Stanjames.com Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle last month.

Aurore D’Estruval is also rated the best chance of upsetting Annie Power in the OLBG Mares’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival but she was not popular in the betting ring before this contest.

The race itself was of little concern for the five-year-old, who smoothly moved up to challenge leader Run Runctions Run at the second-last hurdle and ran on determinedly to see off the tenacious Dark Spirit after the final hurdle.

McCoy said: “She jumps and is a good little mare. She didn’t mind the ground but has got plenty of class and would be happier on better ground.”

Mischievous Milly, who had been second in this race last year and was backed for success this time around, finished third after making errors at the final two hurdles.

Aurore D’Estruval was left unchanged for the OLBG Mares’ Hurdle at 4-1 with Betfred and 5-1 with Paddy Power.

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