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O'Brien's Slowmotion claims first win over fences at Naas

Slowmotion impressed on the way to victory at Naas
Slowmotion impressed on the way to victory at Naas

Slowmotion opened her account over fences in the Rushes Supervalu & Lemongrass Restaurant European Breeders Fund Mares Beginners Chase at Naas.

Joseph O'Brien's Grade Two-winning hurdler only made it as far as the first fence on her chasing debut at Wexford in November and reverted to the smaller obstacles over Christmas when runner-up to Let's Dance at Leopardstown.

The JP McManus-owned mare was the 4-6 favourite on her return to chasing and got the better of Elusive Ivy by a length and three-quarters.

"It was nice to win a chase with her. She seemed to jump fairly well, although the loose horse wasn't a big help," said O'Brien.

"She had a tough race in Leopardstown where there went at it the whole way so we'll give her a bit of time now before we go again.

"She can go up in trip and is versatile."

Yaha Fizz struck gold in the Martinstown Opportunity Handicap Hurdle.

The 16-1 shot was two and three-quarter lengths too strong for 11-4 favourite Like A Demon.

Alan Delany, son of trainer Eamon, said: "He stayed at it well. He's a horse we liked all the time, he was just big and weak last year.

"It took a bit of time to get him to settle. We've done a lot of work with him over the last few months. He's settled well and we've took off all the headgear.

"There is a good bit more to come I think and when we do go back over fences we have a nice horse."
Meade completed a double in the concluding Tuckmill Gallery, Aria Boutique & Jingles Hat Hire (Pro/Am) Flat Race with 10-1 shot Red Jack.

He said: "He actually came out of the Derby sale, so it's quite difficult to buy a horse in June, break him and have him back that quick.

"Everything he's done he's done very easy. He's done a couple of pieces of work, but he's never really been taken off the bridle at home. He's probably a very good horse, I'd say."

He added: "I'll have to talk to the owner (Meade's wife, Derville) and I might have to convince her to sell. He probably will be sold. Whether he'll run again this season or not we'll have to see.

"He's a lovely horse and didn't cost a fortune, either."

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