PHIL'S Magic got up in the dying strides to win a thrilling renewal of the Midlands National Handicap Chase at Kilbeggan.

Donagh Meyler was happy to wait on the Tony Martin-trained 7/2 chance, and the complexion of the race changed when pacesetter Definite Soldier departed three out, leaving Noel Meade's pair of Net D'Ecosse and Tulsa Jack in front.

Mr Boss Man and the eventual winner got on terms at the last, with the former looking to have the edge, though Meyler found a willing partner in Phil's Magic as he got up late to score by a head.

Martin said: "It was great - I was relieved to hear the result that it went our way. With the luck we've had I was sure we'd be the wrong side of the head.

"He's just improved all the time - he's a nice horse, jumps away safe and gallops away. Luckily enough a nice race like that came his way. He was staying on well from the last in Limerick and we put the (cheek) pieces on him to see if they would help him a bit earlier (in the race).

"Fortunately enough everything worked out right and our jockey was excellent on him. He popped him out sharp and smart down the inner and was holding his position fifth or sixth down the rail.

"That's a couple of races in a fortnight - we'll see now how he is in a week or ten days. There's no firm plans but he could go to Galway."

DEBUT

Mystic Theatre ran out a convincing winner on her hurdling debut in the Tom McCormack Memorial Cup Mares Maiden Hurdle.

Willie Mullins' mare already had a trio of bumper wins to her name and Paul Townend was happy to take up the running from the off. The 4/11 favourite pulled well clear after the home turn, beating Gracemount by seven lengths, with a further 21 lengths back to Nellie Pledge in third.

"She was entitled to do it I suppose and we'd have been disappointed if she didn't," said Townend. "She had experience in point-to-points. She jumps and gallops and there was no point in complicating it. I'm delighted. It took me a while to pull her up.

"She's going to go on and do plenty and you'll hear plenty about her. She had her form in the book and was entitled to do that. She can only build on it and it's nice to get that out of the way.

"It was straightforward enough for her there and it probably won't be as easy the next day."

READ THE FULL KILBEGGAN REPORT IN NEXT WEEKEND'S EDITION OF THE IRISH FIELD