Judicieuse Allen off the mark on second start over fences

A final fence faller when in with every chance on her chasing debut at Tipperary in July, Judicieuse Allen made amends when opening her account over the larger obstacles in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Beginners Chase at Sligo.

Supporters of the 11/8 chance were given an early scare when jockey Paul Townend had to sit tight after the five-year-old made a mistake at the first fence.

Held up towards rear of the seven strong field, the Willie Mullins-trained mare had her task eased when 1/1f Nara departed at the fifth last fence.

Townend moved closer to the pace after three out, closing up to dispute with Miss Gherkin after the penultimate fence.

Pushed along to lead at the last, Judicieuse Allen stayed on strongly on the run-in to win by three-and-three-quarter lengths.

Paul Townend said: "She got a fright at the first and was lucky to find a leg. After a fall the last day and doing that at the first today, she showed bravery to then jump as well as she did throughout.

"She found plenty up the straight when I wanted her to and took on the last real well. At least she's got that fall well behind her now.

Asked how the fences were riding, he added: "They're fine fences for here. The ground is good which she enjoyed but it would want to be as safe as it is, all the same."

Additional reporting by Mark Nunan.