Noras lives up to her billing

When one leading layer priced up Noras Fancy at 11/2 last evening for the Martinstown Opportunity Handicap Chase at Thurles it proved popular. The first-time visored daughter of Brian Boru eventually went off the 7/2 joint favourite under David Splaine for the two and a quarter mile contest and she got the job done for Oughterard, County Galway owner Michael Dixon and trainer Jimmy Mangan.

Never far from the pace, Noras Fancy was brought wide in the straight and she got the better of the argument with Colls Corner from before the last, going on to triumph by three lengths.

Outsider Quiet Thought had her chance seriously compromised with a mistake at the last fence with a circuit to go. Shane Hassett did well to keep that partnership intact and in the circumstances Edward O'Grady's charge did well to take the third spot, twelve lengths off the principals.

Jimmy Mangan said: "This is a nice winner as the owner's wife passed away recently and the horse was named after her. They had Natalies Fancy (Galway Hurdle heroine in 1992) before.

"The visor was a big help to this mare as we felt she wasn't concentrating. She loves heavy ground which is a big plus.

"She's entered at Christmas for a beginners chase at Limerick but she's not eligible now. That's a good complaint to have!" (TW & EM)