Mayor's Walk makes the best way home© Photo Healy Racing
Mayor's Walk took a few lengths out of the field before the penultimate fence in the PAQIT Beginners Chase at Limerick and it was the winning of the race for Henry de Bromhead's charge.
Rachael Blackmore's mount travelled well to ease past Maidenstreetprince turning for home and soon went on. Moonovercloon attempted to chase her down between the final two fences, but there was still two lengths in it in jumping the final obstacle.
Blackmore had a willing partner, on chase debut, as the pair strode in by a length and three-parts at 6/1 from the 3/1 runner-up. Ambitious Fellow (6/1) was almost five lengths further back in third.
Mayor's Walk was a former point-to-point winner for Colin Bowe and landed a mares' maiden hurdle on racecourse debut for de Bromhead at Listowel last September.
Blackmore said: "We were hoping she'd take to fences and she really did, so it was great to get her fences campaign off to that start.
"Her jumping is a big asset to her and I was left in front as the race in-front fell apart.
"I think she could be progressive and hopefully fences will bring out the best in her."
The Raceday Stewards enquired into an incident on the bend shortly after jumping the third last fence involving Maidenstreetprince, ridden by P. Byrnes, unplaced, and Mayor's Walk, ridden by Rachael Blackmore, placed first, where it appeared interference may have occurred. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. P. Byrnes stated that he kept his line the best he could around the bend adding that he was aware of the horse on his inside. Rachael Blackmore stated that she got tight for room on the bend and felt pressure from her outside. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards found P. Byrnes was in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden carelessly, and having considered his record in this regard (second offence), the Raceday Stewards suspended him for four race days.
Additional reporting by Tom Weekes
