Queen Astrid storms into SunAlliance picture

DERMOT WELD’S Queen Astrid stormed into Cheltenham Royal and SunAlliance Novices’ Hurdle contention with a 20 lengths success in the Murray O’Laoire Architects’ Mares Hurdle at Limerick yesterday.

Paddy Power tightened her from 25-1 to 20-1, Ladbrokes offered 14-1, while Cashmans went 12-1 from 14's.

Shuilan made a brave attempt from the front, but Ruby Walsh had that leader very much in his sights from a mile out. Walsh waited until approaching the second last before launching his challenge and Queen Astrid did the rest, stretching right away to beat Cake It Easy.