Mrs Paddy Power Mares’ Chase (Grade 2)

DINOBLUE (11/8 favourite) powered home to become the first dual winner of the Grade 2 Mrs Paddy Power Mares’ Chase as she repeated her success of 12 months ago.

Willie Mullins’ mare came home a length and three quarters to the good over a staying-on Only By Night after Mark Walsh had driven the winner clear coming to the second last.

Panic Attack had raced prominently and was in contention to the final bend but lost second place two out, and weakened gradually to be nine and a half lengths back in third.

Winning jockey Mark Walsh said: “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. She winged the third last and then into the straight, I just sat on her – she’s a fair mare.”

A delighted Willie Mullins added: “One thing Mark said when he got off was that her jumping today was magical, and especially over the last ditch. She just jumped it so well. He was wondering if he had gone too early. She got that extra length or two, and he said he just had to hope she would jump, and she was foot-perfect from there on.

“That’s proper good ground. This mare has won on heavy ground, but she loves fast ground.”

Gavin Cromwell, trainer of runner-up Only By Night, was happy with the Robcour-owned mare’s run: “We are delighted with her run. There’s no doubt that she stayed.”

Dan Skelton was still pleased with third-placed Panic Attack, saying: “She’s run a beautiful Grand National trial over two and a half miles. We’d love to see her jump like that round Aintree, wouldn’t we. It would be some sight and the dream’s alive.”