Murphy: Voler to return

COLM Murphy has confirmed his star mare Voler La Vedette will remain in training next season following her creditable run in defeat at Punchestown.

The eight-year-old won her first three starts of the campaign, grabbing her first Grade One prize in the Hatton's Grace Hurdle at Fairyhouse.

She ran arguably a career-best when briefly threatening to shake-up Big Buck's in the World Hurdle at Cheltenham to finish second.

She again had to make do with the runner-up spot behind Quevega and while connections could be forgiven for now retiring a mare with a sizeable paddock value, Murphy is delighted she will be back for more next season.

He said: "She seems grand and I think we just met one too good on the day. She still ran a blinder and I suppose in hindsight, having had a hard race over three miles in Cheltenham, we were asking a lot of her to do the same again, but she still ran very well.

"We'll give her a good break now and get her back for next season. The owners are keen to give her another year, which is great news for me, and we'll see where we are after that."