Belle a National possible

Be My Belle could be a possible runner in the Irish National later this year after taking the €75,000 Thyestes Chase in the hands of Timmy Murphy at Gowran Park.

Sean Treacy’s mare could have the marathon event at Fairyhouse, due to be held on April 21, as her long term target for the season.

Successful over hurdles at the same three miles trip on the card a year ago, Be My Belle made light of being 9lb out of the handicap as she romped to victory over favourite Takagi to the delight of her local trainer Sean Treacy.

Third at Leopardstown over a shorter trip, the 4-1 chance jumped for fun, although she had a good look at the first fence before Murphy, who had made the trip from England, got her into a rhythm.

“Timmy has been brilliant on this mare. He leaves her alone and just sets her up for her fences,” remarked winning trainer Treacy.

Takagi was the only serious threat in the closing stages but could never get on terms with Be My Belle, who will not be resting on her laurels.

“She has strengthened up and as she will only be having a winter campaign and takes her racing well, she may go to Thurles next Thursday. She will be entered for the Irish National but won’t go there if the ground dries out,” Treacy explained.

Murphy was understandably all smiles as he returned to a rousing reception in the winners’ enclosure.

“She’s tough and the trip was ideal. It was probably a bit on the short side for her last time at Leopardstown and the ground probably wasn’t soft enough there either,” said the England-based Irishman.

Edward O’Grady was pleased with Takagi’s performance as he felt the horse probably needed the run after a couple of weeks on the sidelines since being pulled up in the Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury.

“My horse ran his race and just found one too good. Be My Belle looked outstanding in the parade ring beforehand and was probably just a bit sharper than Takagi, who has a good race or two in him, hopefully this season,” the Tipperary trainer said.