The win, completed a near 15/1 double for the Cullentra House team as Brighterdaysahead won the two and a half mile contest by defeating The New Lion (9/4) by two and a quarter lengths.

The winning hander, Gordon Elliott, admitted post-race:

“This is probably her trip and she was awesome. I was nervous but it was kind of easy to watch and Jack was brilliant on her. It’s great for everyone at Gigginstown who have been massive supporters of mine, through thick and thin.

“She’s a good mare and that’s why she wins over two miles, but I think two and a half is probably her trip. I’d imagine she’s going to go chasing. She was supposed to go this year but she pulled a muscle and that’s why she didn’t. She hasn’t won at Cheltenham but she ran a great race there this year.”

The winning rider, Kerryman, Jack Kennedy, was very please with the result, stating:

“Unreal. I think that could be as good as she’s been. The extra half a mile suited her, a little bit of juice in the ground suited her and she was brilliant. I was happy the whole way – I was actually having to take her back everywhere, and she’s one that when you don’t have her fully switched off she can run with you a bit, but she was just doing everything so easy and I let her on at the back of the fourth last. Potters Corner had a slow jump and I winged it, and I was happy to take up the running there and she was good. She’s a great mare.”

The post Brighterdaysahead Gives Elliott & Kennedy Aintree G1 Double appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Ridden by Darragh O’Keeffe, the Henry de Bromhead-handled horse was a two and a quarter length winner over Blueking D’Oroux (22/1) in the Manifesto Novices’ Chase

The 1-2 favourite Lulamba, owned by Cork’s Joe and Marie Donnelly, unseated his rider Nico de Boinville at the 10th fence in the two and a half mile contest.

County Waterford winning trainer Henry de Bromhead said of his Grade 1 win this afternoon:

“It’s a great start to the meeting for us, I am delighted. Darragh was brilliant on him. I thought they went a real good gallop and our lad jumps amazing. I’m delighted for the Moloneys, who are great supporters of ours. It’s so good to get one here.

“I started to get a bit worried for a second (when the second came back at him) but it looks as if he was idling and he picked up again. It was relentless the whole way and they were all jumping so well. I’m delighted for everyone and it’s great for the horse.”

The victorious jockey, Darragh O’Keeffe, racing in Barry Moloney colours, gave a good insight following the race, admitting:

“We always felt he was up to Grade One standard, and it just took us a couple of runs to figure him out. He was very impressive at Leopardstown, we gave the Grade One at Cheltenham a go and we learned plenty about him that day. I think it was huge credit to the horse to come back today after having a grueler in the Brown Advisory. It was a good performance, and his jumping was superb again today.

“I jumped out nice and handy away and I said, wherever I am, I’m just going to get into a rhythm. I couldn’t really hear a whole lot going round, but I could just hear the commentators saying – there was gasp or something – and I knew Lulumba was disappearing from my inside. He was following Harry, so I just kept my horse in a rhythm.

“He was a bit idle even when he jumped the second last, which showed he’s still a bit raw. As soon as he heard the other horse coming to him again, I could feel him picking up. I’m delighted to get a Grade One winner here at Aintree – it’s a special meeting and it’s great for the owners, the Maloneys, and I’m very grateful to everyone.”

The post Koktail Divin and Darragh O’Keeffe Claim G1 Manifesto Novices’ Chase appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Mange Tout (Gordon Elliott/Jack Kennedy, 5-1) and Selma De Vary (Willie Mullins/Paul Townend, 9-4 favourite) fought out the finish if the two miles and one furlong contest, with the former prevailing by three-quarters of a length.

Successful trainer Gordon Elliott said of his filly:

“I thought he gave her a great ride. I thought winning or the losing of the race was done from the third-, fourth-last to the turn in. Jack had to ride to settle her – she was very keen at Leopardstown and he rode her to win rather than to settle her there, and it took its toll.

“It was hard not taking her to Cheltenham, because you want as many bullets as you can have, but now Cheltenham’s over I’m glad we kept her for here. Just the flatter track would suit her and she’s just got a bit of boot. Jack said she didn’t do a stroke in front, she was very idle.

“We thought we’d have her out early in the season for Down Royal – she was very keen there, but she’s a nice mare and she’ll jump a fence as well in time. That will be her for the year now – she’s not the biggest girl in the world.”

Winning jockey Jack Kennedy told ITV Racing:

“She was good. She can overrace a little bit, but I got a bit of cover on her today.

“She was still a bit keen but not as bad. She’s a big frame of a filly – she’s not small but she’s narrow, and I’d say bypassing Cheltenham helped.”

“She’ll definitely jump a fence and she probably has a bit of filling out to do, so she can be a nice mare.”

The post Irish 1-2 in G1 Boodles Anniversary 4-Y-O Hurdle at Aintree appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

The Dundalk St Gerard’s AC athlete began the final event of the day, the 800m, in Poland in a strong position.

O’Connor produced a personal best of 2:10.26 to take the bronze medal. She finished only 49 points behind gold medallist Sofie Dokter of The Netherlands on a score of 4,888. American Anna Hall took silver with 4,860 points.

𝐒𝐇𝐄'𝐒 𝐃𝐎𝐍𝐄 𝐈𝐓 𝐀𝐆𝐀𝐈𝐍!!!

It's BRONZE for Kate O'Connor who continues her remarkable medal-winning-run at major championships The first Irishwoman to win two World Indoor medalsOutstanding!!!!

2:10.26 PB over 800m for a new 4839 National Record… pic.twitter.com/5ZDYtc4fw9

— Athletics Ireland (@irishathletics) March 22, 2026

Kate O’Connor’s reaction

Reacting to her achievement this evening, Kate O’Connor stated:

“I came here with very high expectations and although I maybe didn’t meet them, I’m coming away a world bronze medallist and I really can’t complain with that. I think it’s probably a good thing that I am walking away thinking I could do a little better, but ultimately I’m delighted.”

Hear from our World Indoor bronze medalist Kate O’Connor! #IrishAthletics #WorldIndoorChamps pic.twitter.com/UuAOuPQ8ch

— Athletics Ireland (@irishathletics) March 22, 2026

Good start in 60m hurdles

O’Connor started the 60m hurdles strongly this morning as she clocked 8.23 seconds – just 0.02 outside her personal best set at the recent National Indoor Championships. She then achieved a best clearance of 1.81m in the high jump, achieved on her final attempt despite tripping on a cable during her opening run-up.

In the shot put, the final event of the morning session, the 25-year-old opened with 14.59m, improved to a 1cm personal best of 14.65m in her second round, and then extended that further to 14.70m with her final throw.

The Irish athlete began the evening session with a foul in the long jump before producing a best of 6.38m on her final attempt.

Array of medals

This result continues a remarkable run of success at major championships for O’Connor. In 2025, the Dundalk athlete claimed a bronze medal at the European Indoor Championships, took silver at the World Indoor Championships, struck gold at the World University Games, and silver at the World Outdoor Championships.

Only two Irish athletes, Sonia O’Sullivan and Catherina McKiernan, have now won more individual global medals at senior championships.

Outlining her plans for this season, O’Connor explained:

“My plan is to do the Commonwealth Games and European Championships. I’ll open at the Commonwealths, and then the Europeans are the main aim for me. I want to try and win gold. It’s going to be a tough competition, but if you don’t go in with the mindset to win gold, you’re never going to do it. I’m going to work really hard for the next four or five months and put myself in the position to win that gold.”

Day 3 Results Summary

• Kate O’Connor – Pentathlon – 60m Hurdles: 8.23
• Kate O’Connor – Pentathlon – High Jump: 1.81m
• Kate O’Connor – Pentathlon – Shot Put: 14.70m
• Sarah Lavin – 60m Hurdles Heats – 8.08 (5th, did not advance)
• Kate O’Connor – Pentathlon – Long Jump: 6.38m
• Kate O’Connor – Pentathlon – 800m: 2:10.26 PB
• Kate O’Connor – Pentathlon – BRONZE (4839 Points NR)

Team Ireland Results Summary

• Kate O’Connor – Women’s Pentathlon – BRONZE NR
• Nick Griggs – Men’s 3000m – Final – 9^th overall
• Andrew Coscoran – Men’s 3000m – Final – 13^th overall
• Mark English – Men’s 800m – SF Stage – 14^th overall
• Bori Akinola – Men’s 60m – SF Stage – 15^th overall
• Maeve O’Neill – Women’s 800m – SF Stage – 18^th overall
• Lauren Roy – Women’s 60m- SF Stage – 19^th overall
• Emma Moore – Women’s 800m – Heats – 22^nd overall
• James Gormley – Men’s 1500m – Heats – 29^th overall
• Ciara Neville – Women’s 60m – Heats – 31^st overall
• Sarah Lavin – Women’s 60m Hurdles – Heats – 32^nd overall

The post Bronze for Kate O’Connor at World Indoor Championships appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

This secures the futures of four key players as Ireland Head Coach Andy Farrell builds his squad towards Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027.

Bundee Aki

Connacht’s Aki has signed a new one-year contract extension. Leinster duo van der Flier and Gibson-Park have put pen to paper on two-year deals up until the end of the 2027/28 season. Sheehan has committed his future to Ireland and Leinster for a further three years until the end of the 2028/29 campaign.

Since making his debut against South Africa in 2017, Aki has been an influential figure in Ireland’s midfield, winning 69 Test caps in green, most recently coming off the bench in Saturday’s victory over Scotland.

Aki has won three Guinness Men’s Six Nations titles with Ireland, including two Grand Slams, and in 2023 was nominated for the World Rugby Men’s XVs Player of the Year award.

Josh van de Flier

Van der Flier won his 79th Test cap in green at the weekend, with his performances throughout the Championship campaign underlining his enduring worth in Ireland’s back row.

The 2022 World Rugby 15s Player of the Year remains a key part of Farrell’s side and will continue playing his rugby with Ireland and Leinster until the end of the 2027/28 campaign.

Jamison Gibson-Park

Gibson-Park was one of Ireland’s outstanding performers throughout the Guinness Men’s Six Nations, most notably at Twickenham where his Player of the Match performance inspired Farrell’s side to a memorable bonus point win.

The scrum-half won his 50th Ireland cap against Wales earlier this month and news of his commitment to Ireland and Leinster for a further two years is a major boost.

Dan Sheehan

27-year-old Sheehan has established himself as one of the game’s leading players since breaking on to the international scene against Japan in 2021, winning 39 Ireland caps in that time.

On Saturday, the hooker scored his 15th Six Nations try in green and Sheehan is a central figure in Ireland’s pack.

Key leaders

Ireland Head Coach Andy Farrell said of today’s contract extensions:

“You cannot underestimate the outstanding contributions of these four players to Irish Rugby over many years. That they see their futures here is a significant boost, which I have no doubt will delight Ireland supporters around the world. They are all key leaders who put their bodies on the line time and time again in reaching the highest standards on the field.

“All four players are a pleasure to work with and have played key roles throughout the recent Guinness Men’s Six Nations. In congratulating Bundee, Jamison, Dan and Josh on their new contracts, we look forward to seeing them progress in Ireland in the months and years to come.”

The post Sheehan, Aki, Gibson-Park & van der Flier agree contract extensions appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Ireland U20s play Scotland at Virgin Media Park in Cork on Sunday, with a 3.15pm kick-off.

The game will be broadcast live on RTÉ 2.

With three consecutive victories this spring, Ireland are bidding to finish their Championship on a high against the Scots.

Head Coach Andrew Browne has named an unchanged backline from last weekend’s victory over Wales.

Noah Byrne, Derry Moloney and Daniel Ryan continue in Ireland’s back three.

James O’Leary and Rob Carney are the centres, with scrum-half Christopher Barrett once again partnering out-half Tom Wood in the half-backs.

In the pack, Max Doyle, Duinn Maguire and captain Sami Bishti are in the front row. Joe  Finn and Donnacha McGuire are named in the engine room. Josh Neill continues at blindside flanker, Ben Blaney is named at openside and Diarmaid O’Connell completes the Ireland starting team at number eight.

On the Ireland U20 bench, Lee Fitzpatrick, Christian Foley, Luke Murtagh, Dylan McNeice, Billy Hayes, James O’Dwyer, Charlie O’Shea and Johnny O’Sullivan are the replacements named.

Ireland U20s Team

15. Noah Byrne, 14. Derry Moloney, 13. Rob Carney, 12. James O’Leary, 11. Daniel Ryan,
10. Tom Wood, 9. Christopher Barrett.

1. Max Doyle, 2. Duinn Maguire, 3. Sami Bishti (captain), 4. Joe Finn, 5. Donnacha McGuire, 6. Josh Neill, 7. Ben Blaney, 8. Diarmaid O’Connell.

Ireland U20s Replacements

16. Lee Fitzpatrick, 17. Christian Foley, 18. Luke Murtagh, 19. Dylan McNeice, 20. Billy Hayes, 21. James O’Dwyer, 22. Charlie O’Shea, 23. Johnny O’Sullivan.

The post Ireland U20 v Scotland U20 – Sunday, 3.15pm Virgin Media Park appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Andy Farrell’s men scored a total of six tries tries, with Jack Crowley converting five of them, as well as adding a penalty, as the hosts claimed a 73rd victory over the Celtic neighbours, and their 11th Triple Crown.

By the end of the game, Ireland sat atop the Guinness Six Nations table, but with further games to come later today, France still have to be favourites to be crowned Guinness Six Nations champions for 2026.

Ireland set early pace

Ireland began the game at break-neck pace and were on the scoreboard within 4 minutes thanks to Jamie Osborne. With the hosts pressurising the Scottish defence which was pegged on their own line, the Ireland fullback ran a great line to touch down underneath the posts.

Jack Crowley, with his first kick at goal, converted a relatively standard effort for a 7-0 lead for Andy Farrell’s side.

𝐓𝐑𝐘! Jamie Osborne!

Ireland go quickly off the top after the penalty, neat passes from Doris and Crowley see Osborne crash over under the posts! Conversion by Jack Crowley

IRELAND 7 – 0 SCOTLAND#IREvSCO | #GuinnessM6N pic.twitter.com/C0j5ZduKx6

— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) March 14, 2026

Graham crosses over for Scots

The Ireland score seemed to kick the Scots into gear and immediately went on the attack. The Scottish offence went left and then back to the right-hand side of the field to find Darcy Graham. The Scotland record try-scorer added to his record to the delight of the large and vocal travelling fans in the stadium. Despite a difficult position out on the touchline, the ever accurate Finn Russell converted to level the score.

SCOTLAND STRIKES!

Finn Russell’s slick passing frees Graham for the right corner

IRELAND 7 – 7 SCOTLAND#IREvSCO | #GuinnessM6N pic.twitter.com/f8ioXEoVCg

— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) March 14, 2026

Sheehan crashes over for try

The pace of the game was maintained by Ireland who soon found themselves deep inside Scottish territory. With a Scottish player speaking out of turn, his side was penalised 10 yards.

Ireland kicked for touch, won the ensuing lineout comfortably, and hooker Dan Sheehan scored his 18th international five-pointer as he crashed over from close range.
A more difficult kick for Crowley this time sailed between the posts for the Cork Constitution man to maintain his 100% record of goal kicking to that stage of the game. Ireland were 14-7 ahead, having scored two converted tries, but they were only 11 minutes played.

𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐀 𝐓𝐑𝐘!

Dan Sheehan Powers over from a few metres out after a strong maul

IRELAND 14 – 7 SCOTLAND#IREvSCO | #GuinnessM6N pic.twitter.com/NON8zeg9qg

— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) March 14, 2026

Baloucoune shows his speed

Speedster Rob Baloucoune was next to get in on the try-scoring act. With the home side on the attack, the winger initially found himself unmarked on the West Stand side of the ground, and once he received possession of the ball, he put on the burners before stretching for the line. Keeping his feet high and in play, the Ulsterman successfully touched the ball down for 19-7. Crowley missed his first kick at the posts when attempting to convert his side’s third try of the opening quarter.

𝐄𝐱𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐡!

Robert Baloucoune blazes over from 30 metres!

IRELAND 19 SCOTLAND 7#IREvSCO | #GuinnessM6N pic.twitter.com/G50dL7ixl2

— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) March 14, 2026

Half-time: Ireland 19 Scotland 7

It was first blood to the Scots in the second period. With momentum in their favour, Finn Russell scored his side’s second try of the game, before then converting his own five-pointer. The visitors had now reduced the difference on the scoreboard to 19-14.

𝗦𝗖𝗢𝗧𝗟𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗡𝗗𝗦!

Russell fools the defence and crashes over near the corner!#IREvSCO | #GuinnessM6N pic.twitter.com/aJxUtMdtDA

— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) March 14, 2026

Try for Murray on Six Nations debut

Connacht’s Darragh Murray made a dream Guinness Six Nations debut. Not long on the field following the exit of Tadhg Beirne for a HIA. The Buccaneers’ man claimed the bonus-point try for his side during a short period of time on the field. With Crowley adding the extras, it looked as though Ireland was about to move well ahead of the Scots.

𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐀 𝐃𝐄𝐁𝐔𝐓!

Murray crosses the line brilliantly under Dempsey!

IRELAND 24 – 14 SCOTLAND#IREvSCO | #GuinnessM6N pic.twitter.com/vuNYQlnAj5

— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) March 14, 2026

Despite a 26-14 score line, the visitors replied with another converted try. Rory Darge, the Scottish vice-captain crossed over for the score, before Russell kicked his third conversion of the afternoon. It was now 26-21 with over 20 minutes left to play on the match clock.

Ireland replacements

With 14 minutes to play, the Ireland management made six replacements. The entire front row was changed, Murray came back on – this time for Joe McCarthy – Ciarán Frawley and Bundee Aki entered the fray in place of Garry Ringrose and Rob Baloucoune.

Two-try O’Brien

Tommy O’Brien added a fifth Irish try, and his 7th in the green jersey, when crossing over on 68 minutes. Crowley converted the score to move his side out to a 33-21 lead. Crowley soon scored a penalty – his first of the game – and Ireland were well in control on the scoreboard, 36-21.

O’Brien showed his fantastic pace to add a scored try just at the death. With all the pressure off, and victory assured, Crowley converted a tricky attempt for Ireland to run out victorious on a 43-21 score line, and claim the Triple Crown.

𝐎’𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧 𝐮𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐩𝐩𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞!

Tommy O’Brien tears through the Scottish defence!

IRELAND 31 – 21 SCOTLAND#IREvSCO | #GuinnessM6N pic.twitter.com/lDjgwDaduW

— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) March 14, 2026

Final score: Ireland 43 Scotland 21

The post Ireland win TRIPLE CROWN with 43-21 win over Scotland appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

The game is live on Virgin Media One television, with live radio commentary on RTÉ Radio One.

Captain Caelan Doris leads Ireland into their final game of this season’s Guinness Six Nations Championship.

Jamie Osborne, Rob Baloucoune and Tommy O’Brien are the Ireland back three.

Stuart McCloskey and Garry Ringrose are again named in midfield, with Jamison Gibson-Park and Jack Crowley linking up in the half-backs.

In the front row, Tom O’Toole, Dan Sheehan and Tadhg Furlong are chosen. Joe McCarthy and Tadhg Beirne will start in the engine room.

Jack Conan is the choice for the role of blindside flanker, Josh van der Flier will start at openside, while Caelan Doris completes Ireland’s starting team at number eight.

Ireland Bench

Andy Farrell has strong options on the bench.

Rónan Kelleher, Michael Milne, Finlay Bealham, Darragh Murray – who is in line for his Six Nations debut – and Nick Timoney make up the forward replacements.

The backline replacements are Craig Casey, Ciaran Frawley and Bundee Aki.

Trophy up for grabs

Speaking during the week as he looked forward to this afternoon’s game, Andy Farrell stated:

“It is an incredible privilege for the squad to play at home in front of a packed Aviva Stadium with a trophy up for grabs. We know about the challenge facing us on Saturday and Scotland will travel with confidence. You’ll see two teams who like to attack and we’ll look to implement our game plan to get the performance that we want. When you factor in a loud home support, and with the game taking place on St Patrick’s weekend, it really has all the ingredients for a cracking contest.”

Ireland Team

15. Jamie Osborne, 14. Rob Baloucoune, 13. Garry Ringrose, 12. Stuart McCloskey, 11. Tommy O’Brien, 10. Jack Crowley, 9. Jamison Gibson-Park.

1. Tom O’Toole, 2. Dan Sheehan, 3. Tadhg Furlong, 4. Joe McCarthy, 5. Tadhg Beirne, 6. Jack Conan, 7. Josh van der Flier, 8. Caelan Doris (captain).

Ireland Replacements:

16. Rónan Kelleher, 17. Michael Milne, 18. Finlay Bealham, 19. Darragh Murray, 20. Nick Timoney, 21. Craig Casey, 22. Ciaran Frawley, 23. Bundee Aki.

The post Ireland v Scotland in Guinness Six Nations at 2.10pm appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

The Rich Ricci-owned German-bred ran out a highly impressive eight-length winner of the blue riband of chasing at Prestbury Park this afternoon.

It was another Grade 1 success this week for Paul Townend and Willie Mullins.

Incredibly the jockey and trainer won the Champion Hurdle on Tuesday with Lossiemouth – also for owner Rich Ricci – the Champion Chase with Il Etait Temps on Wednesday, and then the week’s main feature, the Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup.

History for Townend and Mullins

It makes Townend the winningmost jockey and Mullins the joint-winningmost trainer in the history of the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Townend now has five victories on his CV following wins with Al Boum Photo (2019, 2020), Galopin des Champs (2023, 2024) and now Gaelic Warrior (2026).

Mullins join Tom Dreaper with five sucesses, namely, Boum Photo (2019, 2020), Galopin des Champs (2023, 2024) and Gaelic Warrior (2026).

Mullins delighted

“It was just extraordinary,” Mullins admitted. “I’m just delighted for the Riccis, I think they are the first owners to have won the Champion Hurdle and the Gold Cup in the same season (they are actually the second after Dorothy Paget). I’m delighted for Paul Townend, who gave him such a great ride. He was so cool on him. Could you imagine what was going through his head going to the last fence? I know what was going through mine! We’ve had so many last fence mishaps around here. It’s fantastic and the way he did it was just spectacular.

Gaelic Warrior looked the winner for most of today’s three miles 2 furlongs and 70 yards race. When he cruised into the lead two fences from home, his and Townend’s only dangers look in front of them – the last two fences.

Both were taken with aplomb and the eight-year-old son of Maxios bounded up the Cheltenham hill to record an eight-length victory over Jango Baie (11/4 joint-favourite) – the Nicky Henderson and Nico de Boinville horse.

Last season’s Gold Cup winner, Inothewayurthinkin (11/1), was positioned last for most of the race under jockey Mark Walsh. His jumping throughout wasn’t fluent during the race, though he stayed on for third place in the J.P. McManus colours, two lengths behind the runner-up.

Gold Cup wins get “better and better” for Townend

Lisgoold, Co Cork-born Paul Townend said of his fifth Cheltenham Gold Cup victory:

“It’s the Gold Cup. I always say they just get better and better. Oh my God, I’m speechless! We were dealt a big blow with Galopin Des Champs coming out, I was lucky enough for this lad to come along. Patrick was convinced that he was the horse for the race. He’s done a lot of work with this horse from the last day, it’s a huge team effort, I was just the fortunate one to be on his back today.”

A sad postscript to the race was the death of Envoi Allen. The 12-year-old collapsed after the Gold Cup and the former Ryanair Chase winner sadly died.

We are so very sorry to announce that Envoi Allen has sadly passed away

The 10-time G1 winner was a three-time Cheltenham Festival hero.

Our thoughts go out to connections pic.twitter.com/s4FAIuNP4s

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) March 13, 2026

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Competing in the race for the third year in succession – having won last year and finished runner-up to Limerick Lace in 2024 – the J.P. McManus-owned nine-year-old daughter of Doctor Dino gave her trainer Willie Mullins a fourth winner in the last six editions of the race.

The French-bred chestnut was never seriously challenged over the extended two and a half mile race as she ran out an easy length-and-three-quarters winner for jockey Mark Walsh over another Irish-trained runner, Only By Night (11/1) from the Gavin Cromwell yard.

Panic Attack (11/4) came home third for Dan and Harry Skelton – nine-and-a-half lengths behind the Keith Donoghue-ridden runner-up.

Commenting on the first dual winner of the Mares’ Chase, her winning rider, Mark Walsh, stated:

“She never missed a beat today. She jumped brilliantly. She jumped her way upsides when jumping the last ditch – it was too early for me, but I didn’t want to disappoint her. When Tom Cannon’s mare missed the fourth last, I landed in front. I was able to fill her up everywhere. She winged the third last and then into the straight, I just sat on her – she’s a fair mare.”

When asked if Dinoblue’s win was a career best performance from her, Walsh said:

“Yes, I think so. That’s proper good ground. This mare has won on heavy ground, but she loves fast ground and that ground today is ideal for her – good fast ground.”

The win of Dinoblue was a fifth successive success in the race for Limerick owner J.P. McManus, and the victory continues the excellent record of French-breds – they have now won 19 of the 34 races run at the Festival exclusively for mares.

Dinoblue completed a double for trainer Willie Mullins who won the earlier JCB Triumph Hurdle with Apolon De Charnie.

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