Jumping invariably proves crucial in any beginners chase and it was certainly the case in the opening Killinan Beginners Chase at Thurles where Game Of War came out on top.

Four of the six runners were in the air together at the penultimate fence and Impact Factor who made a few mistakes in the 2m2f event, was still disputing the lead when falling at the last.

The departure of the 11/10 favourite left Game Of War in front and Rachael Blackmore’s mount kept on well on the run-in to score at odds of 7/2. Sir Carno completed a 1-2 for owners Gigginstown a length and a quarter adrift, while the front-running Seedorf weakened to finish a further 16 lengths back in third.

Winning trainer Henry de Bromhead, "It was a lovely run. I thought he would need it and he took a little blow after the second last.

"He is a nice horse and jumped really well and economical. He is a 128 hurdler and hopefully he will keep progressing. He is entered for Grade 1 races in Leopardstown and Limerick so we'll see how we go."

(TW & AM)