Trainer Willie Mullins looks ahead to Punchestown

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Trainer Willie Mullins admits stable star Laurina could head to the Punchestown Festival after registering the first Grade One victory of her career at Fairyhouse.

The five-year-old won her first race at Cheltenham last month with ease and backed it up with another solid run in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Novice Hurdle Championship Final.

Jockey Paul Townend was able to do very little work during Sunday’s success as Laurina was too strong for Lackaneen Leader and Alletrix.

When asked about his future plans, Mullins confirmed a run at Punchestown could be on the agenda before connections rest her ahead of next season.

He said: “I thought she was very good and it’s great she has won a Grade One. She was cantering everywhere and just seems to be a lot better than the rest at the moment.

“If all is well we’ll go on to Punchestown with her. We’ll have to see how the other horses that ran at Cheltenham fare over the next few days.

It’s not going to be easy for them, especially on that ground as it’s very tacky. She handled it well.

“She could go for a novice race at Punchestown. The mares’ race is an open race, which would be tough. I’m going to leave it open and I wouldn’t be worried about trip.

“She could go out to three (miles) easily and has enough ability to do two miles.”

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