Selma De Vary lands French Triumph for Mullins and Townend

The Grade One Prix Alain du Breil, the major spring hurdle race for four-year-olds, attracted a strong field on Sunday, amongst them the Champion Three-Year-Old hurdler Léopard du Berlais.

However, it was the Willie Mullins-trained Selma De Vary, bred and raised in France, who proved too strong back in the French capital.

Mullins was recording his fourth victory in the two-mile, three and a half-furlong race following previous successes in 2023 (Gala Marceau), 2016 (Footpad), and 2013 (Diakali). Partnered by Paul Townend, the daughter of Zarak proved strongest in the home straight, edging out the French mare Delmegan by a short head after a magnificent late effort. Léopard du Berlais, the hot favourite, finished third, six and a half lengths further back.

Bred by Jacques Cyprès and Guillaume de Saint-Seine, president of France Galop, Selma De Vary began her career in France and even won at Auteuil when trained by Emmanuel Clayeux as recently as November.

After finishing second in the Spring Juvenile Hurdle, fourth in the Triumph Hurdle, and second in the Anniversary 4YO Juvenile Hurdle at Aintree, this was her first victory for current owners Rich and Susannah Ricci. She relished the step up in trip and testing conditions at Auteuil, opening up all sorts of options for next season and beyond.