Mullins & Elliott dead-heat

Trendelenburg for Gordon Elliott & Otay Kawn for Willie Mullins fought out an exciting finish to the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Beginners Chase with the judge unable to separate the pair after a photo finish was called.

Otay Kawn, sent off a 5/1 under David Casey, raced in mid-division for much of the race but closed on the leaders from three fences out. He disputed the lead with Trendelenburg from before the straight and got the better jump at the last to lead away from it.

However, the 11/8 favourite Trendelenburg battled on gamely on the run-in getting on terms on the line under Paul Carberry. Crude ran another consistent race to finish third a length and a half back under Davy Russell.

Afterwards Gordon Elliott said: "A dead heat will do great. My father and uncle and a bunch of lads from Summerhill owned him, so its great for them.

"He hasn't that much scope and he will probably go for a little novice chase in the UK now. He will prefer the smaller field as well."

Speaking on the phone after the race Willie Mullins said: "I'm delight with that. David (Casey) got him jumping well. He can be a bit dodgy at times.

"He will mix it over hurdles and fences for the rest of the summer now. He is better on good ground.

"David gets on well with him and we will keep him to the country tracks now."

Donal Murphy