Ballyshannon Rose leads Dolcita over the last© Photo Healy Racing
Dolcita came with a well-timed run under Paul Townend to land the Listed T.A. Morris Memorial Irish EBF Mares Chase.
Twice successful last season, the Willie Mullins trained seven-year-old disappointed on her final start of the campaign, finishing a well-beaten third of four behind Scarlet And Dove and Elimay at the Punchestown Festival.
Re-opposing those rivals this afternoon, the bay victor came in for plenty of market support and went off an 11/4 chance from early shows of 9/2.
Settled in mid-division, the Saint des Saints bay made a mistake at the eighth and was sixth with a circuit to race.
Still with a bit to do in fourth on the approach to two out, she soon picked off Elimay and Scarlet And Dove and was pushed along to challenge in second on the run to the last.
After getting a flier at that fence, she was soon ridden edged to the front inside the final 50 yards, keeping on best from there to prevail by half-a-length from the gallant Ballyshannon Rose (8/1) in second.
It was a heart-breaking defeat for the runner-up who bravely attempted to make all under Brian Hayes for Paul Fahey.
The front-pair went 15-lengths clear of the easy-to-back Scarlet And Dove (9/4f from 6/4) in third. The likeable Jeremy bay faded from the second last and had to settle for minor honours.
Cheltenham Festival winner Elimay (5/2 from 7/2) was another half-a-length back in fourth.
"It is always easier to ride the second string and Paul just sat out and left them at it," Mullins said.
"They probably went a bit fast in front and he came along to take what was going and got the major prize.
"We went out hoping to get some prizemoney and didn't think we'd get it all with her but she is improving. That'll be a big step up for her.
"The ground was lovely and safe and while you never know, we'd hope to have not trouble in the morning.
"Elimay will come along fitness-wise and the longterm plan is to go back to Cheltenham. I have no plans with Dolcita but might have one later on, after I consult my guru."
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
