Nidhaam out battles Fanzine

Nidhaam just got the better of Fanzine after the pair had a great battle up the home straight in the four runner Mullinahone Fillies Maiden.

The Dermot Weld trained victor was stepped up to a mile and a quarter for the first time today after three decent runs over shorter trips.

Available at 9/4 this morning she opened on-course at 6/4 before going off the 5/4 favourite under Pat Smullen.

Wearing a visor for the first time she attempted to make all but was challenged by the Declan McDonogh ridden Fanzine from before the straight and was headed two furlongs out.

She battled back from the furlong pole and had a great dual with Fanzine from there, getting up close home to score by a head.

The Michael O’Callaghan trained runner-up opened on-course at 7/4 but drifted out to 2/1 at the off having being backed from 2/1 to 6/4 this morning.

Pat Smullen said afterwards: "I always thought she was capable of winning a race but the undulations didn’t suit her here.

"She is a big galloping filly and she changed her legs a few times but she put her head down and stayed at it well."

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes