Ballinahow Lady jumps the last from Ros Brin and Flamingos Gold© Photo Healy Racing
< Ballinahow Lady emerged a gallant winner from a rare tussle for the Miceal Fitzgibon Memorial European Breeders Fund Mares Novice Chase at Thurles.
David O'Brien's 10-1 shot had Flamingos Gold for company when setting sail for home after jumping the third-last.< Ros Brin was creeping into contention, though, and actually took a narrow lead on the dash for the line, only for Ballinahow Lady to battle back for a half-length verdict.< Moiqen may not be the force that won the Ballysax Stakes in 2008 but proved there is still life in the old dog with victory in the Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund Beginners Chase.
Philip Byrne's 11-4 market leader moved up to touch down out over two out in a share of the lead and, despite a slightly awkward leap at the last, he had something up on his sleeve and kept going to repel Stradbally by a length and a quarter.
His jockey Davy Russell followed up when coming from another parish on Carry Each Other in the Devils Bit Beginners Chase.< Western Man appeared to have matters in the bag early in the straight, but he faded dramatically after the last and Russell pounced on the 6-4 favourite.< Clashnabrook (9-4) was another to justify favouritism in the Horse And Jockey Handicap Chase.
Phillip Enright made his move between the last couple of obstacles and although Mark Me Up went in pursuit, he never really looked like getting there and Clashnabrook had half a length in hand of the running-on Prince Of Forwards at the post.< Jolily (9-2) was no match for subsequent Thyestes runner-up Tarquinius at Leopardstown but met nothing of that calibre in the Happy St Valentine's Day Handicap Chase and stretched five and a half lengths clear of Kakagh while Letterlee Star claimed the Rock Of Cashel Handicap Chase.
