Gold for favourite backers in Thurles opener

With Sinoria missing out as she was reported in season Agusta Gold (11/10 into 4/5) hadn’t much trouble in justifying odds-on favouritism in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Beginners Chase at Thurles. Belle West and the remaining fences were her only danger from some way out.

When that rival departed at the penultimate jump it was only the last obstacle that Agusta Gold and Danny Mullins had to concern them.

The daughter of Gold Well cleared it with aplomb as she had most others, to account for Ballybrowney Walk by all of fifty three lengths.

"She had a lovely run in Fairyhouse when she wouldn't have been 100 percent and she came on lovely with a lovely clear round. She is getting more professional the whole time and while the fences are not quite as big here, I'm delighted with the way she jumped," said Mullins' mother and successful handler Mags.

"There is a lovely campaign for the mares' novice route and there are four of us involved in her, myself, Kieran Leavy, Fergus Healy and Lorcan Cribbin. They are a great bunch of lads and are plucky!"

he Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Darling Miss trained by Gordon Elliott, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to have blood on both nostrils post race.

(TW & EM)