Selma De Vary (4/1) and Paul Townend won the Grade 1 Prix Alain De Breil at Auteuil on Sunday afternoon.
Trained by Willie Mullins and carrying the Rich Ricci colours the daughter of Zarak took the four-year-old hurdle over 2m 3f and 85 yards at the Parisian track.
Runner-up in the Grade 1 Boodles Hurdle at Aintree on 9 April last, Lisgoold-born Townend kept the French-bred wide throughout the journey as he sought slightly better ground at the rain-soaked track.
⭕ #Auteuil – Prix Alain du Breil – Gde Course de Haies de Printemps des Quatre Ans (Gr.1)
Selma De Vary (Zarak) offre un nouveau succès de Groupe 1 à Willie Mullins dans le Prix Alain du Breil. La représentante de Mme S. Ricci, montée par P. Townend, domine Delmegan et Leopard… pic.twitter.com/tD4dCPce6m
— France Galop (@francegalop) May 17, 2026
The former Irish champion jockey made an eye-catching move down the back as he asked the filly to move towards the head of the field.
The four-year-old jumped well at the final two hurdles in the straight, and battled to the line to hold off the final challenge of eventual runner-up and joint-favourite, Delmegan, who failed by a neck at the line.
Leopard Du Berlais the other 2/1 joint-favourite was third six-and-a-half lengths behind the second-placer.
