She Must Be Obeyed in Punchestown

Tom Gibney's Must Be Obeyed showed good resolution to take the opening beginners' chase over an extended two miles seven furlongs at Punchestown.

The sole mare in the field certainly wasn't unbacked having been available at as big as 50/1 before being returned at 18s. This was her second start over fences having finished fourth in a hot beginners' chase in Fairyhouse at the start of the month.

She was there to be shot at in front as well supported favourite Shantreusse took closer order in second after three out.

The 10/11 favourite closed at the next, but Must Be Obeyed was nothing if not game in front under Darragh O'Keeffe.

She got away from the last and was not for catching as she saw off Shantreusse by a length and a half. Mahler Mission (13/2) was a head back in third. Fakiera who made a bad mistake and relinquished the lead down the back straight kept on in the straight in fourth.

Gibney said: “That’s a nice way to finish off the year. It’s been a bit up and down recently so we are delighted to get that anyway.

“For all her antics beforehand and everything else, the racecourse is where she has always been the easiest. Once she gets out there and gets going she’s a hundred per cent.

“I didn’t know if she was up to winning that to be honest. I knew she would love the ground and we’ve been looking to try her over a trip for a good while. Staying chasing is what we always hoped she would end up doing. I said to Darragh going out it would be a fair test of stamina today and it suited her.

“She jumped well and looks a chaser. I’m not sure where we will go now but I’m delighted with today.”

Additional reporting by Alan Magee