Sir Des Champs wins in Limerick with slice of luck

Sir Des Champs looked a fortunate winner of the Greenmount Park Novice Chase at Limerick after Knockfierna crashed out at the second-last.

Knockfierna had the 4-7 favourite under pressure when she ducked out of the obstacle and catapulted Niall Madden out of the saddle.

That changed things dramatically and left Willie Mullins’ charge to coast home by seven lengths from Four Commanders.

However, winning jockey Emmet Mullins, the trainer’s nephew, said: “I thought I had Knockfierna covered when she exited – she was getting backhanders the whole way and I was surprised she was still there turning in for home.

“I was full of running at the time and I was very happy with him today.”