Magic Daze in full flight under Rachael Blackmore© Photo Healy Racing
The Henry de Bromhead trained Magic Daze (9/4) ended the Willie Mullins stranglehold on the BBA Ireland Limited Opera Hat Mares Chase.
Mullins won this Listed contest the last five years in-a-row and was expected to do so again this afternoon, saddling both Dinoblue (4/5f) and Elimay (4/1), with the latter bidding to win this race for the third time in succession.
Given a no-nonsense ride by Rachael Blackmore, Magic Daze led from flag fall and jumped well throughout, really putting it up to the favourite, who raced in second under Luke Dempsey.
Her advantage was reduced on the approach to two out but she found plenty when ridden on the run-in, seeing off the effort of the market leader by three and three-parts of a length.
The front pair were five-and-a-half lengths clear of Minx Tiara in third, while Elimay was another 15 lengths back in fourth.
Robbie Power, representing de Bromhead, said: "We're delighted with that. She just likes to get on with things and Rachael gave her a brilliant ride.
"She had a nice break after Fairyhouse with a spring campaign in mind so she came in here fresh and well.
"I'd imagine she'll go to the mares chase at Cheltenham now.
"I rode her before and I don't think two miles will inconvenience her. She just has her own way of going. She's not a quick two-miler, she stays well as well. She has a high cruising speed and stays galloping.
"She likes to get on with things and if you try to interfere with that she'll down tools but Rachael was brilliant on her today.
"She gives herself a breather when she's jumping, she's looking at what she's doing, she's not a complete runaway and gives herself a chance in a race."
STEWARDS REPORT
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Elimay (FR), trained by W.P. Mullins, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.
P. Townend, rider of Elimay (FR), trained by W.P. Mullins, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount was flat out everywhere.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
