Mortal and Blackmore win a thriller

Fairyhouse's Winter Festival got off to a sensational start as Mortal beat Any Second Now after a titanic struggle in the beginners' chase.

Mortal led turning in for this extended two mile five test as Any Second Now moved into a threatening position in second.

Any Second Now drew alongside his rival after the penultimate fence and the pair were locked together jumping the last.

Any Second Now took a narrow lead for Mark Walsh on the run-in but Mortal battle back gamely under Rachael Blackmore to get up by a neck in the closing stages.

The winner was returned at 10/1 having attracted plenty of support in the morning at 14/1. The runner-up went off 5/2 joint favourite. The leading protagonists drew 15 lengths clear of Cherokee Bill at 20/1.

Trainer Joseph O’Brien said: ‘He won very easy first time out and we loved him. He didn’t win his maiden hurdle, although I always pitched him in deep enough because we thought plenty of him.

“Chasing was always going to be his game and he jumped well and Rachael gave him a lovely ride. I didn’t think I had enough done with him to win first time but they didn’t go very quick and that probably helped. I’d say he has a big engine.

“He’s an exciting horse to go over a trip, and he’s bred to do the business. He’s probably a three-miler. The Grade 1 at Christmas would be a big ask but we’ll see how he is between now and then.”

This victory put Rachael Blackmore on 61 winners - one ahead of Paul Townend in the National Hunt Jockeys' Championship.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee