Outsider Lar's Lass wins a thriller

Six lined up in the SBK Irish EBF Mares Handicap Steeplechase and less then three lengths covered the first five home with victory going to 28/1 outsider of the field Lar's Lass, trained by Jim Dreaper.

The daughter of Ocavango, a hunter chase winner at Cork last Easter, came from the back of the field to get into contention on the run to the last.

There were three in line over that final obstacle including favourite La Malmason and long-time leader Must Be Obeyed Lar's Lass wasn't great over it but picked up best for Paddy O'Brien to gain the advantage and she did just enough to hold the late thrust of Kates Hill by a neck. 

Assistant trainer Thomas Dreaper assistant trainer, “In fairness Barry O’Neill, who has won a point-to-point and hunter chase on her, hopped off her at Down Royal on St Stephen’s Day and said step her up in trip in a handicap with no weight on her back and give her a month. 

“Barry doesn’t have that many winners ridden for no reason, so we kept it simple and have done very little with her since. She’s honest and straightforward and owned by great people. 

"We’ll look for something similar and go again. 

“Paddy O’Brien works for Gavin (Cromwell) and is in with us a couple of days a week. He’s a good fella and good value for his claim.” 

Quotes from Alan Magee