Blazing ups the Tempo

Blazing Tempo looks like proving a fine addition to champion trainer Willie Mullins' yard after making a successful debut over fences in the Grade 3 EBF T A Morris Memorial Mares Chase.

Formerly trained by Willie Austin, the well-backed 7/2 chance (from 5's) came back on the bridle entering the straight under Paul Townend and was in the air together with Cool Quest and For Bill at the second last.

Townend's mount was not fluent at that fence but met the last on a perfect stride, and asserted on the run-in to beat Cool Quest by a length and three quarters. For Bill weakened before the last to finish a further ten lengths away in third.

Mullins said, “I'm a bit surprised she won as all of mine are running like they need the run. Paul said she was not happy on the ground and would prefer it a lot better. I have no real plan as we were not expecting to win but she will keep to mares company.”

For Bill's veteran owner Donie Sheahan was delighted with the run of his mare saying, “She just got tired but we're very happy and she'll improve a good bit. We'll have another day.”