Dinoblue (11/8 favorite) repeated her victory of final yr when taking the 2026 renewal of the Grade 2 Mrs Paddy Energy Mares Chase.
Competing within the race for the third yr in succession – having received final yr and completed runner-up to Limerick Lace in 2024 – the J.P. McManus-owned nine-year-old daughter of Physician Dino gave her coach Willie Mullins a fourth winner within the final six editions of the race.
The French-bred chestnut was by no means significantly challenged over the prolonged two and a half mile race as she ran out a straightforward length-and-three-quarters winner for jockey Mark Walsh over one other Irish-trained runner, Solely By Evening (11/1) from the Gavin Cromwell yard.
Panic Assault (11/4) got here house third for Dan and Harry Skelton – nine-and-a-half lengths behind the Keith Donoghue-ridden runner-up.
Commenting on the primary twin winner of the Mares’ Chase, her profitable rider, Mark Walsh, said:
“She by no means missed a beat right this moment. She jumped brilliantly. She jumped her method upsides when leaping the final ditch – it was too early for me, however I didn’t need to disappoint her. When Tom Cannon’s mare missed the fourth final, I landed in entrance. I used to be capable of fill her up all over the place. She winged the third final after which into the straight, I simply sat on her – she’s a good mare.”
When requested if Dinoblue’s win was a profession finest efficiency from her, Walsh mentioned:
“Sure, I believe so. That’s correct good floor. This mare has received on heavy floor, however she loves quick floor and that floor right this moment is good for her – good quick floor.”
The win of Dinoblue was a fifth successive success within the race for Limerick proprietor J.P. McManus, and the victory continues the superb file of French-breds – they’ve now received 19 of the 34 races run on the Pageant completely for mares.
Dinoblue accomplished a double for coach Willie Mullins who received the sooner JCB Triumph Hurdle with Apolon De Charnie.
