Tom Weekes
Tempo completes Mullins/Walsh treble
Willie Mullins and Ruby Walsh combined for an opening races treble at Fairyhouse today when Blazing Tempo added the featured Grade 2 Normans Grove Chase to the earlier wins of Vesper Bell and Ceol Rua
Grade 1 winner Tranquil Sea led the five runners into the straight but folded quickly from the second last fence leaving Blazing Tempo and Noble Prince to fight out the finish from the final fence.
Blazing Tempo, winner of this season’s Galway Plate, was produced to lead early on the run-in, and receiving her 7lbs mares allowance, went on to score a three parts of a length win over Noble Prince.
Afterwards a delighted Mullins said “she is holding her form and that was nice to win, given the ground.
“We had the choice of coming here or going to the Boylesports Hurdle but rather than take on a handicap with 20 runners, we decided to take out chance today eventhough the ground might not be as suitable.
“I was very pleased with that but not sure where we’ll go as she’s done more than enough – she’s an iron mare and has been on the go since Galway and been doing it in all sorts of ground. She’ll get an entry for the Ryanair Chase but I’m not sure if she’s good enough.”