Mode makes perfect start to life over fences

Fascile Mode made the perfect start to life over fences, as he just prevailed in the Punchestown Racecourse Beginners Chase.

Successful on this very card 12 months ago, the Tom Mullins-trained six-year-old came in for strong market support near the off and was returned the clear favourite at 7/4 (from 11/4).

Settled behind the leaders on the outer by Danny Mullins, the Walk In The Park bay took closer order from five out.

Engaged in a tussle with Touch Me Not from the penultimate fence, the market leader ultimately kept on best when ridden on the run-in, prevailing by a neck at the line.

Sent off an easy to back 9/2 chance, Touch Me Not lost little in defeat under Jack Kennedy, with the front pair nine lengths clear of Moon D'orange (28/1) in third.

"That's what he's made for - he was always a chaser," Mullins, who trains the winner for his wife Helen, commented.

"He was good and Danny was good on him. He jumped well and was clever enough.

"He won twice here over hurdles and could come back here (for the Grade 2 Craddockstown Novice Chase) next month."

STEWARDS REPORTS

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Nine Graces (GB), trained by Barry Connell, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

S. Fitzgerald, rider of Lazer Wolf trained by Gavin Cromwell, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount hung right over the last couple of fences.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee