Fighter Allen and Paul Townend right after winning from Popong and Rachael Blackmore© Photo Healy Racing
Fighter Allen enjoyed himself out in front in the Tramore Racecourse Directors Chase over an extended two miles five furlongs.
The 10/11 favourite's main market rival dropped out of contention after the fifth fence and pulled himself up.
The leader was on good terms with himself two out where closest pursuer Grand Bornand made a mistake. Fighter Allen soon raced clear of Popong who had moved into second.
A lovely jump at the last saw the leader home by six lengths for Willie Mullins. Popong took the runner-up prize at 11/2.
Jockey Paul Townend said: “He handled the track very well for a big horse and his jumping is his main asset.
“It’s my first time to ride him over fences and he got into a good rhythm today.
“He seems to be finishing out his race a bit better and that could be down to his jumping as well.
“It’s good for him to get his head in front and hopefully he’s back on track now.”
This was Fighter Allen's first success over fences to go with a maiden hurdle in Punchestown. This was a marked drop in class from a remote fourth to Galopin Des Champs in a Grade One novice chase at the Dublin Racing Festival at Leopardstown in February.
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
