Deilginis continues to progress over fences

Deilginis proved the fourth successful favourite on the day when taking the Ballylooby Mares Handicap Chase in convincing fashion.

The Joseph O’Brien-trained mare was an easy to back 5/2 chance but put in a fine round of jumping and took control approaching the last.

She quickly asserted under JJ Slevin and had a comfortable five lengths to spare over top-weight Victoria Bay at the line.

Ask Heather (9/2-3/1) was well-backed on her first start for Terence O’Brien but could find no extra in the straight to finish another eight lengths back in third.

O'Brien said, "She won well in Cork the last day and this race was an obvious race after that against her own sex. We'll keep her against mares again, she loves soft ground and seems to stay well.

"She is an outstanding jumper and her jumping is fantastic.

"She is more a chaser and we'll kick on over fences but she could also go back hurdling at some stage in the future."

(TW & AM)