Chavez strikes under Mullins despite market drift

The easy-to-back Chavez ran out a clear cut winner of the opening Fairyhouse For Your Fundraiser Beginners Chase.

Previously trained by Paul Nicholls, the son of Yeats unseated on his debut for Willie Mullins at Down Royal on St Stephen's Day.

As short as 7/4 in early shows, the Malcolm Denmark owned seven-year-old eventually went off a 9/4 chance, with stable mate Henn See (85/40f) taking over at the head of the market.

Always prominent, the bay victor wasn't fluent at times but led from three out and went clear after the next, coming home 25 lengths to the good.

The Tony Martin trained Golf Marin (9/1) filled the runner-up spot under Kevin Sexton, while Ideal Pal (40/1) ran on late to take third, another six lengths back.

The aforementioned Henn See faded in the latter stages and finished a disappointing fourth, while Conna Cottage fell three out when still in with every chance.

"It was a good performance. He had a few sticky jumps early and if he can put that together there will be more improvement in him," winning rider Danny Mullins, a late replacement for the unwell Paul Townend, said.

"Over the minimum trip it's probably a little bit more difficult and hopefully he'll sharpen up.

"Maybe he just lost a bit of confidence the last day but it came back through the race as he warmed up.

"It was a good bit of placing, typical of Willie and the team at home. It's nice to get the job done."

STEWARDS REPORT

E. Walsh, rider of Flindt trained by Ciaran Murphy, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount never travelled.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson