Gauloise looks another cracker for OJA

Forty eight hours after Blue Lord made a winning start to his hurdling career at Punchestown, stablemate and compatriot Gauloise produced an even more impressive performance to score on her Irish debut at Thurles on Thursday. A daughter of Samum, she had won her only AQPS Flat race in France (form worked out well) and was returning from an absence of 578 days. Contesting a two miles mares' maiden hurdle, she was prominently positioned and jumped neatly throughout. Taking over after the second last, she stretched clear to win hard held by five and a half lengths. Given the fact the runner-up was placed in a Listed bumper and Grade 3 novice hurdle last season, the form looks solid and she readily disposed of Joseph O'Brien's runner in receipt of three pounds. Kenny Alexander has been fortunate to own some very talented mares, including the unbeaten Honeysuckle, and it appears he has another smart one on his hands. A natural jumper, she looks tailormade for the Dawn Run Mares' Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham in March. Gauloise is another winner for the French Revolution section in One Jump Ahead (see page 145).