Fiftyone avails of Sceaux mishap

Un De Sceaux got his chasing career off to an unfortunate start when falling three out while holding a clear advantage in the Killinan Beginners Chase at Thurles.

The exit of the red-hot 1/8 favourite, who along with partner Ruby Walsh seemed fine afterwards, left the way clear for Mr Fiftyone to score at 8/1.

Un De Sceaux had been jumping fluently in front up to this point, building up a 15-length lead by halfway and extending that advantage even further until failing to find a leg on landing at the fence before the straight.

Robert Power found himself in front on Mr Fiftyone, with outsider Smokey Joe Joe in close attendance as the majority of the field were well strung out behind.

Mr Fiftyone kept on well in the straight to beat the 66/1 chance by five and a half lengths, with Dromnea a further four lengths adrift in third.

Paddy Power reacted to the fall by making Vautour 3/1 favourite (from 4/1) for the Arkle Chase, while pushing out previous joint favourite Un De Sceaux a point to 5/1. Boylesports also make Un De Sceaux 5/1 (from 4's).

Bryan Cooper was stood down for the remainder of the day after Empire Of Dirt fell at the second fence.

Winning trainer Jessica Harrington said, "They've got to jump! He jumped great but Robbie said they went Arkle pace and he finished tired but was entitled to be.

"They went some rattle and I'm delighted he has won as he deserved it.

"He'll probably go to Leopardstown over Christmas and is in the Grade 1 two mile chase. With that under his belt he should improve a lot."

Willie Mullins said of Un De Sceaux, "He came out of it well and is grand apart from one little cut which any horse can get.

"I was very happy with him prior to the fall and it was just one of those things and it was a novicey mistake. I just hope he won't make a habit of it."

(TW & AM)