‘Iron mare’ blazes a trail

DESCRIBED by her trainer as “an iron mare“, Blazing Tempo turned over odds-on favourite Noble Prince to land the Grade 2 Norman Grove Chase at Fairyhouse yesterday, providing Willie Mullins with the highlight of a superb four-timer.

Backed from 3/1 to 9/4 in opposition to Noble Prince (drifted from 4/6 to 9/10), Blazing Tempo was also the third leg of a treble for Ruby Walsh, successful earlier on Vesper Bell and Ceol Rua.

Owner Rich Ricci savoured his first treble, thanks to Vesper Bell, Blazing Tempo and Champagne Fever, which made all to win the bumper under Patrick Mullins, providing Ricci with his eighth consecutive winner at Fairyhouse.