Blackmore shines on Mac

Rachael Blackmore was seen at her brilliant best once again as Ellie Mac stuck on gamely to land the spoils in the opening rated novice chase at Fairyhouse.

The Henry de Bromhead-trained mare followed up her success in a similar contest over half a mile further at Tipperary last time when leading on the run-in for a hard fought success. Monatomic cruised into the lead after the second last in the two-miler but Blackmore got a fine leap at the last from Ellie Mac that propelled her up to challenge.

The Court Cave mare got her head in front on the run-in and was always holding the Gigginstown gelding late on to record a half length success at odds of 5/2.

2/1 favourite Thecraicisninety gave way before the last after making the running and was three-and-a-half lengths back in third.

“I was a bit worried about dropping back in trip, and I just hope she’s like that over any distance. She drops herself out a bit but when push came to shove she was great,” said de Bromhead.

“It was a super ride from Rachael, and she jumped brilliant.

“The racing club was set up in memory of Niccolai Schuster, who was killed in the Berkeley balcony tragedy, by his family and friends and Ellie was their first horse.

“She won at Leopardstown last Christmas and I’d say we’ll aim towards something there again.”

(Quotes by Alan Magee)