Sir gets lucky

Blackstairmountain: Leopardstown winner

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."

Grade One

Blackstairmountain finished best of all to catch Notus De La Tour and win the Grade One Racing Post Novice Chase at Leopardstown on Boxing Day.

Hot favourite Bog Warrior fell early on in the two-mile-one furlong contest and it was Notus De La Tour who had looked to take advantage in the home straight.

Robbie Power kicked for home on the five-year-old and he had looked to have slipped the field inside the final quarter mile.

However, Paul Townend made good late headway on Blackstairmountain and the pair reeled in the long-time leader in the final 50 yards to seal the contest.

Notus De La Tour finished two-and-a-quarter lengths back in second with Foildubh taking third.

"We are getting our share of luck today after Sir Des Champs winning in Limerick after the leader ran out and with the favourite falling here," said Mullins.

"This fellow (Blackstairmountain) has a lot of gears and Paul was delighted with what he produced after the last.

"Fences seem to be bringing out the best in him and he will probably come back here for the Arkle before going to Cheltenham in March."

Sky Bet go 16s from 20/1 about the winner for the Cheltenham race.