Rachael Blackmore was seen at her strongest when guiding Brave Way to a hard fought success in the Kiernan Steel Handicap Chase at Kilbeggan.

A winner at Limerick on her previous start, the Kenny Alexander owned mare had to be strong to see off the persistent challenge of eventual runner-up Siberian Prince

Although stepping up in trip on her handicap debut, the seven-year-old had won her point-to-point, so had less stamina issues than most.

Taking up the running turning out of the back straight, the Henry De Bromhead trained winner found plenty for pressure on the short run-in.

Rachael Blackmore said:- “It was a great performance as there is a right crew of Kenny Alexander's friends in there. It was brilliant.

“She jumped quite well today and her jumping is coming on the whole time. She felt great and it was another step forward.

“She kind of tanked me to the front, I thought Eoin Walsh would take me a bit further but he didn't. It's a long way home from that bend when you are in front around here.”

Blackmore, who was swamped by fans afterwards, added:- “It's brilliant, there is such a great reception here. It's great to meet people and everyone is so supportive.”

Additional reporting by Gary Carson