Nastya gets favourite backers off to a flyer at Down Royal

Those that took the shorts odds about Nastya never had too many anxious moments as the Henry De Bromhead trained mare registered a facile success in the opening Giddyup And Switch To Fibrus Mares Maiden Hurdle at Down Royal.

A former point-to-point winner, the six-year-old had shown promise on three previous outings over hurdles prior to this afternoon.

The form of her third placing over course and distance at Christmas was particularly strong, given that her winning stablemate went on to success at the Cheltenham Festival.

Sent off 8/13f under Rachael Blackmore, Nastya was always prominent, before taking over from Getaways Charm after the third last.

Sent on approaching the penultimate flight, the eventual winner stretched clear for an eased down 25 lengths victory.

Rachael Blackmore said: "It was straightforward. A mistake at the last, but very good everywhere else.

"She had a nice run the last day (second at Limerick) and a lovely run up here behind Air Of Entitlement at Christmas (third) - lovely form coming into the race and built on that today.

"It is proper good ground."