Kempes helps Ruby to double

On paper, the www.fairyhouseracecourse.ie Beginners Chase at Fairyhouse today looked a match and in the end a final fence mistake from 8/11f Nicanor effectively gifted the up-sides Kempes with the race, with the last named eventually scoring by four lengths.

Kempes (completing a double for Ruby Walsh) and Nicanor (denying Paul Carberry a brace) had shaken off all other challengers in the straight, and although Nicanor had edged a lead approaching the final fence, a final fence blunder helped Kempes steel a few lengths, and his stronger momentum helped him record the four lengths win.

Afterwards Kempes' trainer Willie Mullins reported “Kempes may have been a bit fortunate at the final fence but his performance was more encouraging, despite the ground not being to his liking.”

He added “Kempes has more respect for chase fences than hurdles and I'm hoping for further improvement when the ground is better. He's entered for Cheltenham but I'd imagine he'll stay at home.”