Minx Tiara takes very well to the larger obstacles

Minx Tiara (11/8 into evens favourite on the show) made a winning debut over racecourse fences in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Novice Chase at Thurles.

Third in a point-to-point at the start of her career, the successful daughter of Doyen, twice a winner over hurdles, shrugged off outsider Imitation Game (50/1) from before the last.

Sean Flanagan ’s mount went away to put fourteen lengths between herself and that rival, with original market-leader Cushinstown Finest (10/11 out to 11/8) four and a quarter lengths back in third.

David O’Brien has care of Minx Tiara for the Fastey For Fun Syndicate and the County Kilkenny handler said: "Everything went well, she jumped well and loves that type of ground.

"She was unlucky in her point to point when she was nearly brought down with a circuit to go and her jockey Eoin O'Brien left her coast home and got her confidence back. The owners decided to hold on to her then and she has paid them back well now with three wins.

"We schooled her at the Curragh recently, and while she is not over-big, Sean says she has loads of scope.

"I had thought about getting black-type and while I'd rather get another few chases into her, given the time of year something like the Grade 3 novice chase at Limerick (March 14) might suit as it would be great for her pedigree."

(TW & EM)