Park just prevails under Donovan after 'ding-dong' battle There was a thrilling finish to the Listed BoyleSports Mares Handicap Chase, with the Philip Donovan-ridden Kiltealy Park just coming out on top. In first time blinkers, the Paul Nolan-trained six-year-old was given a patient ride, taking closer order from five out before improving into a share of the lead early in the straight. Ridden after a slight peck on landing at the back of the last, she was soon engaged in a tussle with True Testimony and while she looked to be coming off second best approaching the line, a late lunge saw her prevail by a short head. Sean Flanagan, who had partnered the winner seven-times previously, had to settle for second on the aforementioned True Testimony, with this one returned at 11/1 (from 18s). Sent off the 15/8 favourite, the Willie Mullins-trained Zenta was a further nine-and-a-half lengths away in third. "I wasn't sure (if up) to be honest. When they are that close, you hate to tell yourself that you are up - I was quietly confident," Donovan revealed. "She got away on the ground, it is plenty gluey out there. I actually spoke to Sean (Flanagan) before I came out and he said 'don't go firing her, just leave her popping away. She has come from Colin Bowe and she knows loads about jumping'. "The last two, with a circuit to go, she got right into the roots of it and I landed I'd say probably last but Mark Walsh (on Zenta) wasn't that far in front of me and I bided my time and tried jumping my way back into it. "Jumping the fourth last, I thought I could be good for a bit of prize money here. It is great to get the whole lot of it! "No, I didn't wing it (last), but she is very good when she is in close and tight. I think Sean rooted it as well and we sort of both landed dead at the back of it. It was a good old ding-dong up to the line and I'm fairly happy I came out the right side of it." STEWARDS REPORTS * The Raceday Stewards fined W.P. Mullins, trainer, E65 for fitting cheekpieces to Cuta Des As (FR) which had not been declared and ordered their removal. * K.M. Donoghue, rider of La Malmason, trained by Gavin Cromwell, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount made a couple of mistakes. Additional reporting by Michael Graham
