The Willie Mullins-trained Dolcita clung on gamely to land the spoils in the listed mares chase at Fairyhouse this afternoon.

Paul Townend gave the Saint Des Saints mare a positive ride from the front in the two-mile-five contest and she looked to have matters in hand running to the last fence. Hurricane Georgie finished off well on the run-in though and pushed the even-money favourite to a head at the line. Jeremys Flame crashed out at the last, when tired in third, but thankfully got to her feet a few minutes later.

“She was very brave and Paul was very brave on her, he decided beforehand that he was going to be very positive on her as he felt she was a good jumper,” said Mullins.

“He wanted to make more use of that and hope that the better ground would suit her, which I think it has.

“She's a very game mare and she's not afraid to have a good cut at her fences.

“When I saw the entries for the race I thought it was going to be tough to beat Jeremys Flame.

“I think our mare has improved all season and that's paid off today. There is a Grade 2 mares chase in Punchestown that Elimay goes for and this mare will probably have to get an entry and join her.”