Augusta Kate (Yeats) winning at Thurles

Exciting hurdling debut for Augusta Kate

Brilliant Yeats mare Augusta Kate (5m Yeats-Feathard Lady, by Accordion) kicked off her hurdling career on the best possible note on Thursday when scoring at Thurles. The Willie Mullins-trained five-year-old saw off 15 rivals with ease to take a 2m 7f maiden hurdle by three lengths under Ruby Walsh. “She jumped nicely. I didn't think a trip would be any problem to her even though I don't like starting them off at that trip. It was a mares' maiden so we said we'd take our chance,” said Mullins. "We'll step her up nicely in class around Christmas time in a nice novice race. Ruby said she was a bit keen early on and was just trying to settle her but he was delighted with her.”

Bred by part-owners Graham and Andrea Wylie, Augusta Kate boasts three bumper victories, including in a black-type event at the Punchestown Festival.