Dinoblue (11/8 favourite) repeated his victory from last year by winning the 2026 renewal of the Grade 2 Mrs Paddy Power Mares Chase.
Competing in the race for the third consecutive year – having won last year and finished second to Limerick Lace in 2024 – the JP 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-quarter 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 third for Dan and Harry Skelton – nine and a half lengths behind the runner-up ridden by Keith Donoghue.
Commenting on the first double winner of the Mares’ Chase, his winning rider, Mark Walsh, said:
“She never missed a beat today. She jumped brilliantly. She jumped backwards on 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 everywhere. She threw the second last and then in the straight I just sat on her – she’s a beautiful mare.”
When asked if Dinoblue’s victory was his career best performance, Walsh replied:
“Yes, I think so. It’s a good ground. This mare has won on heavy ground, but she likes fast ground and this ground today is ideal for her – good fast ground.”
Dinoblue’s victory was the fifth consecutive success in the race for Limerick owner JP McManus, and the victory continues the French stud’s excellent track record – they have now won 19 of the 34 races held at the Festival exclusively for mares.
Dinoblue completed a double for trainer Willie Mullins who won the first JCB Triumph Hurdle with Apolon De Charnie.
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