Allegorie De Vassy beats stable companion to take Listed honours

Allegorie De Vassy led home a 1,2 for Willie Mullins in the Listed T.A. Morris Memorial EBF (Mares) Chase.

Beaten by Instit on her last two starts at Fairyhouse and Punchestown respectively, the 151-rated bay reversed the form on her return to action this afternoon.

Available at 6/5 in early shows for this two-and-a-half mile contest, the No Risk At All six-year-old eventually went off the clear market leader at 8/11.

Improving into a closer second from four out, the Paul Townend ridden victor came with her challenge on the inner from two out and got to the front before the last, going on to score by two-and-a-quarter lengths.

After attempting to make all, Instit (3/1) finished a gallant second under Danny Mullins, with Regina Dracones a further seven-and-a-half lengths away in third.

Grand Annual winner Maskada proved easy-to-back and ran accordingly, finishing a well beaten fourth at the odds of 11/4 (7/4 early).

"She ended off last year poorly and couldn't have started better this year," Townend remarked.

"There's plenty to work on, and I thought the two mares (her and Instit) ran well, and the two will come on for it.

"On the whole, she's a very good jumper, but for whatever reason she just hit the first a good clout and got careful for a fence or two. She was big after that for a couple but warmed up and when I needed her down the straight, she came through.

"She was beaten by a very good mare at Cheltenham and that probably left a mark for the rest of the season. She's back now and we're delighted with her."

STEWARDS REPORT

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Maskada (FR), trained by Henry de Bromhead, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes