Speculatrix opens chasing account under Sexton Having met trouble in running when third on her initial run over fences, the Gordon Elliott trained Speculatrix opened her account at the second time of asking in the Miss Northern Ireland - Carly Wilson Beginners Chase at Downpatrick. Travelling easily throughout, the 13/8f came through to head Kalanisi Flash three out. Soon moving clear on the bridle, the Kevin Sexton partnered mare asserted from the penultimate fence, drawing further away from the last before being eased on the run-in for an easy eight-and-a-half length success. Kevin Sexton said: "Jumped and travelled. The plan was to bounce out - the boys went on plenty quick early on, so I just took her back. "She jumped good, she was good and careful to be fair for a mare than can be a bit brave over hurdles. She had plenty of respect for fences, to be fair to her. "With a circuit to go, she came for me and was a bit long and I said I better leave her alone now. Obviously, she was the best horse in the race. "She is (exciting as the National Hunt season progresses), she was a high-quality mare over hurdles and she jumps fences well." Additional reporting by Michael Graham.
