Listen Dear makes all the noise at Ballinrobe

Listen Dear, trained for the Supreme Horse Racing Club by Willie Mullins, proved the star of Ballinrobe’s final meeting of 2016 yesterday when making an impressive chasing debut in the Connacht Tribune Beginners Chase.

Adopting her customary front-running style, the six-year-old mare, successful three times over hurdles and off the track since June, jumped exuberantly — although getting in a little close to a couple of fences, including the last — and had her rivals at full stretch from an early stage.

Chief market rival Mick Thonic chased the winner all the way, but was held when making a couple of late mistakes, ultimately losing second spot to Lucky Pat.