Moskova completes a hat-trick

Paul Nolan's Moskova completed a hat-trick of wins in the Ashbourne Mares Chase at Fairyhouse today, making it seven career wins for the daughter of Montjeu.

Jockey Davy Russell needed to shake Moskova up from the fifth last fence, but eventually came back on the bridle early in the straight, led before the final fence before holding the challenge of Laetitia by three and a half lengths.

Winning trainer Nolan later reported "you can't 'go' for Moskova too early in her races and Davy (Russell, jockey) said that Moskova had loads left at the line and ped in!"

He added "we'll have a look at Punchestown now and while there is a three mile chase there for her, it is a Grade 1 race and we may be aiming a bit too high. She has had a great season and we are delighted with her."

Runner-up Laetitia, who has had a checkered career and was returning from a two year layoff, unfortunately returned lame.