Elle Perfecta takes to fences in Kilbeggan

Elle Perfecta made a lovely start to her career over fences in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares' Beginners Chase.

Colm Murphy 's seven-year-old mare had won twice over hurdles and really took to fences in this extended 2m3f assignment.

She travelled in the hands of Brian Hayes behind Bay Ambition and took over in jumping three out.

She had her opponents off the bridle after negotiating the next and was far from fully extended in sailing in by a comfortable three and a-half lengths at 3/1. Happy D'ex the 7/4 favourite, attempted to make a race of it before the last but was readily outgunned. She was clear of third-placed Rebel Early (22/1).

Murphy said: "She's promised to be a nice filly.

“We're delighted that she's done that in the manner she's done it and we'll see what's there for her now. We'll keep her going for the summer.

“She seems to want that ground, we've tried her on softer and it doesn't work.

“We were kind of punching in time with her before we went chasing. She travels well, especially at country tracks, and she seems to know what she's doing herself. She's easier watched than others.”

Additional reporting by Gary Carson