Dinoblue prevails in feature at Naas

Dinoblue came out on top after locking horns with stablemate Allegorie De Vassy in the BBA Ireland Limited Opera Hat Mares Chase at Naas.

Both horses are trained by Willie Mullins and were joined by only one further rival as Thomas Gibney's Must Be Obeyed completed the trio for the Listed event.

Allegorie De Vassy was the 5-6 favourite and Dinoblue an 11-10 chance, but it was the latter mare who took first place in a battle to the line.

The outsider was beaten when the first two home began to race, and they were split by the width of the track as they took the last obstacle almost in unison.

Dinoblue landed marginally in front, however, and stuck to the task under Mark Walsh to remain in the lead by neck at the line.

Mullins said: "The two of them went a great gallop the whole way. There was no hiding place even though there was only the two of them involved.

"They will both go for the Mares Chase at Cheltenham and I’m very happy with both of them."

Dinoblue holds off stablemate Allegorie De Vassy to secure the Listed BBA Ireland Limited Opera Hat Mares Chase for Mark Walsh and Willie Mullins