The Michael Cullen trained Bella Mana Mou helped bookmakers to an early win at Thurles today, easily defeating the heavily backed 1/1f (from 6/4) My Lord Oscar in the opening www.thurlesraces.ie Handicap Chase.

Ridden by Davy Russell, the daughter of Snurge moved through to dispute the lead with Inoma James when that rival fell at the second last fence. The final fence was then bypassed (sadly due to the fatal fall of Adrian Maguire's Paddy Joe on the previous circuit), leaving Bella Mana Mou to coast home a distance clear of My Lord Oscar.

Afterwards Wexford based Cullen reported "the ground made the difference for Bella Mana Mou today as she needs testing ground. She was run off her feet a bit at Cork last time out and we'll go for another handicap again next."