Market speaks volumes as Spindleberry impresses

The market spoke volumes prior to the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Colreevy Mares Novice Chase, with the well-backed Spindleberry ultimately easing to a six and a half length win.

Available at 13/8 in early shows for this Listed contest, the Willie Mullins-trained seven-year-old was eventually returned the clear favourite at 8/11.

In front early under Paul Townend, the Fearghal & Bronagh Eastwood-owned seven-year-old was soon headed by market rival Bioluminescence

Brought to the nearside approaching two out, the bay victor travelled best to lead before the last and readily drew clear on the run-in.

As short as 10/11 in early shows, Bioluminescence proved friendless with punters and returned at 9/4 she ultimately finished second, giving 10lb to the winner.

"She was very impressive for only her second run over fences, taking on an experience mare like Bioluminescence," said Mullins.

"I'm very pleased. I loved the turn of foot she showed between the last two to put the race to bed and then under pressure to throw in a good jump at the last.

"For a mare with only one run over fences I thought it was a hell of a run in a Listed chase.

"We'll look at the WillowWarm Gold Cup, the Grade 1 for novices, here at Easter. She seems to like this track.

"She's entered at Cheltenham but that might just come a bit soon after today.

"We'll look for other options but the race here at Easter would look the race at this point in time.

"She loves this track over hurdles, and over fences, and I always like keeping a horse to where they like running.

"Paul was happy enough that she'd stay much further. That was a good test of stamina today.

"She had looked like a mare with a future and now she's showing us that she has a future."

The late Michael O'Sullivan partnered Spindleberry to finish second in the Grade 1 Irish EBF Honeysuckle Mares Novice Hurdle last season, with Fearghal & Bronagh Eastwood later donating the winning prize money from today to the Irish Injured Jockeys Fund.

Mullins and Townend were completing a double, having earlier claimed the feature with Nick Rockett

STEWARDS REPORTS

The Raceday Stewards enquired into an incident on the approach to the last involving Bioluminescence, ridden by M.P. Walsh, placed second, and Spindleberry, ridden by P. Townend, placed first, where it appeared Spindleberry took Bioluminescence off its line. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. M. P. Walsh stated that his mount has a tendency to jump right and followed the other horse. He added that the other horse had quickened by him and there was no interference. P. Townend stated that his mount quickened clear and drifted right when it spotted the people on the rails and he was unable to correct it further in the circumstances. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that no further action was warranted.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson