Tempest Missile fends off Supreme Vinnie in Kilbeggan© Photo Healy Racing
When Tempest Missile s main rival, Miss North Light was withdrawn from Kilbeggan's bumper on veterinary advice the favourite was sent off a prohibitive 4/11 favourite.
She set out to make all, but wasn't allowed an easy lead throughout. Puddle Alley and Memory Of Light both got on terms during the race, but it was Supreme Vinnie who gave the favourite a real fright.
In the final quarter of a mile he raced alongside Tempest Missile who crucially had the benefit of the inner rail. Sweeping round the last bend Tempest Missile hugged that rail while Supreme Vinnie drifted left close home before getting back on an even keel. There was a neck in it at the line in favourite of the favourite over the 7/1 shot. There was a 15-length gap back to Wilde Breeze (6/1) in third.
Jockey Patrick Mullins said: "She's very tough and that means a lot. She wants a trip. I'd say two and a half or three miles over hurdles and she'll probably go hurdling now."
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
