Knockfierna shows her class

The 8/11 favourite Knockfierna took the feature race at Greenmount Park this afternoon, the Group 3 ITBA Fillies Scheme EBF Dawn Run Mares Novice Chase, under man of the moment Barry Geraghty for trainer Charles Byrnes.

The 7yo daughter of Flemensfirth was left in the lead at the fourth last where the second favourite at 11/2 Belle Brook crashed out under Paul Townend.

As they entered the straight she had Special Token for company but was travelling much better than that one and after the last she asserted to score easily by nine lengths.

The aforementioned Special Token took second at 25/1 under Martin Ferris while Ask Me Sister was a further ten lengths back in third at 33/1 under Sean Flanagan for Sean Osborne.

The winner was recording her eighth career success today and her fourth Grade 3.

Winning trainer Charles Byrnes said afterwards: "She’s a hell of a mare. The form of her run here at Christmas (ran out at the second last when still with every chance) has worked out really well with Sir Des Champs winning at Cheltenham and Four Commanders also running well.

"I have no regrets about not bringing her to Cheltenham. This was a nice pot and after Christmas this was the plan.

"She would have been put at risk going to Cheltenham.

"She might have one more run this season but I don’t have any definite plans yet."