Babe edges it in a thriller

Nicky Henderson sent his first runner to Thurles as Une Artiste took on ten rivals in the Fame And Glory & Sans Frontieres Coolmore National Hunt Sires EBF Mares Novice Chase but the French bred was just denied as Byerley Babe came out best in a thrilling finish.

Philip Enright gave Byerley Babe a confident ride to challenge in the straight, and the two principals flew the final fence together.

Neither mare gave an inch on the run-in in this two and a half miles Grade 2 event and, after a photo-finish, it was Robert Tyner’s 3/1 chance that just came out on top by a nose.

Caoimhe’s Delight was a further length and a half adrift in third.

Tyner said, “She is not qualified for the next mares’ chase her in a few weeks time but there is a Graded mares chase at Limerick over St Patrick’s weekend for her.

“She got in a bit tight to the fourth last but I thought she’d sail past at the next. Philip said she drifted out a bit to her left on the run-in. She is a fine big strong mare and has lots of class, and travels very well in her races.”

A delighted Enright said, “I winged the last and landed in front. She’s tough and she’s gutsy and stuck her head out. She ran a little left under pressure and until the last two strides I was confident.

“Robert has done a wonderful job with this mare. When she won her point-to-point he spoke highly of her, and I’m delighted she’s proved herself today.”

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes