Golden shines over fences

Golden Sunbird put a heavy final fence fall at Thurles last time behind her to take the Glenview Stud EBF Mares Beginners Chase under 7lb claimer Michael Doran.

The well-backed 7/4 second favourite struck the front entering the straight, and kept on well under pressure on the run-in to hold off the challenge of 11/8 favourite Knockfierna by three quarters of a length.

The pair drew six and a half lengths clear of Ballinahow Lady (13/2) in third.

Winning trainer Paul Nolan was represented by his brother and assistant James, who said “It's hard to fancy one off the back of a fall, especially the fall she had. It took a week to get her confidence back schooling.

“All those good mares races are after Christmas, and that will be the plan.”