Battle Of Mirbat a pleasant surprise for McDonagh team

Battle Of Mirbat teamed up with Adam Ryan to post a decisive success in the John Thomas McNamara (QR) Handicap Steeplechase at Leopardstown.

He mixed it with Arverne up the fourth fence before taking over in the hands of Ryan. From there, he made the rest over this extended 2m5f trip, but had Francois for company at the penultimate fence.

A good jump there saw him put Francois under pressure and the leader really cranked it up entering the straight.

Ryan didn't have to get serious with the handicap debutant who drew clear before the last. Another good leap saw him home by a comprehensive eight lengths at 7/1 for owner/trainer Michael McDonagh.

The placings were occupied by 5/2 favourite Galon De Vauzelle in second and Presenting Point (16/1) in third.

Assistant trainer Jamie Ivors said: “To be honest, we weren't expecting that. We thought he'd run a nice race, he's improved with every run since we got him.

“We were slightly worried that the ground might be a bit too good for him, but he seemed to get into a rhythm from the word go.

“He wings fences, he's a real chaser. I thought he'd get tired turning in, but he just galloped all the way.

“On his first run he was behind Sir Gerhard and even his last race was a very good beginners' chase. We thought the last day he ran very well to the line and were expecting a lot of improvement, but he surprised us today with what he did.”

Additional reporting by Gary Carson