Kate brings another G1 for Yeats

Superb mare Augusta Kate (6m Yeats-Feathard Lady, by Accordion) showed great tenacity at Fairyhouse on Sunday to land the G1 Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Novice Hurdle Championship Final. The Yeats mare outbattled her Cheltenham Festival-winning stablemate Let’s Dance in a thrilling finish to win the two and a half mile contest. Willie Mullins’ charge is owned by a partnership including her breeders, Graham and Andrea Wylie, TV stars Ant and Dec as well as ex-footballer Alan Shearer. “She wasn’t happy with the gear we had on her at Cheltenham. We took off the chifney and ear plugs and it seems to have suited her a lot better. She’s improved a lot and hopefully there is more to come,” said Mullins. “We’ll see how she comes out of it before deciding about Punchestown. She probably learned from Cheltenham and maybe that is a better trip for her.” Winning rider David Mullins added: "She's very tough and unassuming. As soon as I gave her a squeeze after the third last she jostled for a bit of position and came alive under me. "I kind of knew I had Let's Dance beat but I wasn't sure after the jump. She was cleverer than me today anyway. She really stays." Earlier on the same card Tony Martin saddled Tudor City (5g Yeats-She’s Our Mare, by Commanche Run) to land a nine-length maiden hurdle at Fairyhouse on another great day for Yeats.