English raider Nadiya lands the spoils

Nadiya De La Vega made the journey across the Irish Sea a worthwhile one for connections as she took the Grade 3 John & Chich Fowler Memorial EBF Mares Chase.

Trained by Nicky Henderson and ridden by Tony McCoy, the 7yo French bred daughter of Lost World finished third to Al Ferof in the Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham in November.

She was last seen pulling up in the race won by Golden Chieftain at the Cheltenham Festival last month but racing against her own sex for the first time today, she showed her class to win by five and a half lengths.

Having opened at 4/1 on track, touching 5’s, she went off the 7/2 favourite. Prominent throughout, she disputed the lead from the sixth and led from the third last.

She was ridden into the straight but kept on well under pressure to beat Avondhu Lady (14/1) under Mark Enright for David Fenton into second. Burn And Turn (20/1 overnight with Paddy Power but went off at 8/1) travelled strongly turning for home but found little off the bridle and had to settle for third, a further three lengths back under Davy Condon for Jessica Harrington.

Frank Berry, racing manager to winning owner JP McManus, said afterwards: "It's a lovely race to win and she jumped great.

"She likes a bit of room and doesn’t want to be crowded. Tony (McCoy) got some great jumps out of her.

"Nicky (Henderson) was disappointed not to be here as he has been great friends of the Fowlers over the years.

"We will see what is in Punchestown for her now."

The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Our Girl Salley after the race at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be lame in the front post race.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee