Carrig leaps to victory in opener

A terrific leap at the last sealed things for Carrig Millie in the opening mares beginners chase at Thurles this afternoon.

Dangan Daylight was sent off the well backed even-money favourite (form 6/4) for the 2m2f contest but couldn't pick up in the closing stages after holding every chance at the second last.

The front-runner Chasing Shadows was tackled on either side two out with Carrig Millie edging ahead of the long-time leader going to the final fence.

Davy Russell got a great jump from his mount at the last and the Mick Cullen-trained mare stayed on well on the run to the line to post a length-and-a-half success.

The winner, who was placed on two of her three previous chase starts, was a steady 11/4 shot, sent off second best in the market.

It was a welcome victory for the New Ross handler, who had last visited the winners' enclosure when the same mare won her maiden hurdle at Navan last March.

“She's going to go for the mares race at Limerick (Grade 3 Dawn Run Novice Chase on March 17th),” said Cullen afterwards.

“She's wanted a bit nicer ground but she's improving away. She jumped well and really took a cut at the last.”

(Additional reporting by Alan Magee)