French Dynamite strikes late in thrilling Thurles feature

French Dynamite bounced back to form when getting up in the final stride to land the featured Grade 3 Pierce Molony Memorial Novice Chase at Thurles this afternoon.

Willie Mullins enjoyed a dream Cheltenham Festival this week with an incredible ten victories and was expected to continue his winning streak with Ciel De Neige sent off the 4/11 favourite against four rivals.

The betting suggested French Dynamite was his only serious rival and the Mouse Morris-trained gelding, successful in a beginners’ chase at Punchestown but tailed off last time in Grade 1 company, did attract support into 9/4 (from 3/1) before the off.

Mark Walsh set the pace on the hot favourite in this 2m2f event but was strongly pressed approaching the last by the Robcour-owned French Dynamite with the pair well clear.

Darragh O’Keeffe’s mount stayed on really well on the run-in and just got his head in front right on the line to score by a nose.

There was a 32 lengths gap back to The Little Yank in third.

Morris said, "What's seldom is wonderful! It is nice to see him back and that ground suits him. He jumped well.

"I have no plans and will speak with the owners and see what they want to do."

Reflecting on his string in general, Morris commented: "The horses have been running well but had been hitting the crossbar although they are just moderate. The two in Cheltenham ran well but, no offence to the horses, they are second class citizens.

"I have a couple of nice four-year-olds and there are a few which have run well and been placed, so hopefully they can improve. Unfortunately I don't have 500 grand to spend."

(TW & AM)