Selma De Vary followed in the footsteps of Diakali, Footpad and Gala Marcaeu when winning the Prix Alain du Breil for Willie Mullins on Sunday.
The Zarak filly switched yards after her impressive course success in November. She caught the eye on yard debut when second to Narcisco Has in Grade 1 company. Again, she was an eye-catcher when a staying on fourth in the Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham.
Her keenness continued to hinder her efforts at Aintree, when again pulling Paul Townend’s arms throughout. Selma De Vary made no mistake this time however, as she gamely fended off old rival Delmegan.
Speaking to Sky Sports Racing after, via Sporting Life, Paul Townend said: “We don’t mind the rain when we’re winning! She was very good, she was very tough.
“I went out just to get her to settle, she was quite headstrong but she is learning a lot. Compared to when I first rode her in Cheltenham and Aintree, she’s settling much better. I thought the ground really suited her today, she likes to get her toe in. I thought it was a big ask coming here to be honest, with how late she came to us. But it shows the guts she has to be able to come here and put up a performance like that.
“She’ll be a very exciting filly” – Paul Townend
Having came into the yard late and arriving on the back of three Grade 1’s, it’s clear Selma De Vary is a talented animal. In the colours of Lossiemouth, it’ll be no surprise should she make up into a Champion.
Townend continued: “It’s lovely to come here, our season has finished but we’ve Auteuil to look forward to. It’s nice to come here and be successful. As she’s learning to settle with racing, she’ll have no bother getting the trip. She’ll be a very exciting filly.”
Elsewhere at Auteuil this weekend, it was an unsuccessful raid for the away team in the Grande Course de Haies d’Auteuil. Home By The Lee was arriving in the form of his life, having won the Aintree and Cheltenham Stayers. He failed to go the early pace though and was subsequently pulled up. Paul Nicholls’ Henri The Second was also pulled up. The best of the away team was Apple Away, albeit a distant 33-length sixth.