Sprite adds chase win to her name

The fences in the straight were bypassed each time but that'll have mattered little to favourite backers as Water Sprite (5/2) eased to victory in the Vinegar Hill Mares Beginners Chase at Wexford.

The elevation of the sun caused those obstacles to be taken out, and Water Sprite, a faller on her only previous try over fences, travelled smoothly through this two miler under Denis O'Regan.

Gordon Elliott 's charge, on her first run in 159 days, took aim at Blazing West entering the straight, she led moving strongly a furlong and a half out and she wasn't extended in the end to eclipse her aforementioned rival by three and a half lengths.

"Denis said not jumping the two fences in the straight was actually a hindrance because she does jump very well, even though she fell the last day," said Olly Murphy representing Elliott.

"We were very sweet on her beforehand, she was the best of them over hurdles and she was our best chance of a winner today by a million miles.

"It was no surprise at all the manner in which she won it. She will more than pay her way over the summer and handles quick ground.

"I'd imagine she will win on the Flat again. She is a good fun mare and is owned by a good group of lads (the Five Men Syndicate)."

Owing to the low lying sun, the Stewards granted permission for the last and second last fences to be omitted.

(DM & EM)