Strong-pulling The Short Go (10/11f) gained a hard-fought victory in Clonmel's Irish Stallion Farms EBF Captain Christy Rated Novice Chase today, scoring under a fine ride from jockey Rachael Blackmore.

The chasing debutante refused to settle, with Blackmore at pains to preserve energy in the three-miles race. Runner-up Bella Bliss briefly went clear at the second-last but Blackmore held enough in reserve, asking for a late effort to lead on the run-in and score by two lengths.

The Henry De Bromhead-trained gelding's exertions took its toll and while he became distressed post-race, subsequently recovered.

It was a timely success for Abbeyfeale-based owner Nolan Byrne, a nephew of late prominent owner Patsy Byrnes, as De Bromhead reported “I'm delighted for the Byrnes as we chose not to go to (local) Listowel last week because of the ground.

“We ended up here and while it wasn't ideal for him, he handled it well. He was keen early but Rachael was very keen to hold him up as he ran so blind in Galway.

“Once they went on, he jumped great and she was brilliant on him.

“It was lovely to see him pick up after the last. I haven't really looked ahead as we said we'd start today and get him jumping. It is great he handled that softer ground though so that will help him.”