Lecky Watson denies Rachael Blackmore comeback win at Naas

Rachael Blackmore had to settle for second on her first ride back from a lengthy absence as Slade Steel was surprisingly turned over by Lecky Watson in the Bar One Racing '100% Acca Boost On Self Service Terminals' Beginners Chase at Naas.

Blackmore had been out for three months with a neck injury and looked to have a great chance of returning on a winner for Henry de Bromhead.

Slade Steel had won the Supreme Novices' Hurdle back in March and with a run over fences already under his belt, he was a heavily backed 8-15 favourite to go one better than on his chasing debut.

Blackmore settled Slade Steel in second behind the front-running Lecky Watson as the two dominated for much of the race, but approaching the second last there were almost six in line.

The pair had met over hurdles last season, with Slade Steel coming out on top, but fences appear to have brough out an improvement in Lecky Watson.

Once more, the two main protagonists began to pull away, but it soon became apparent Lecky Watson's superior stamina, having run well in Grade Ones over three miles last term, was going to be too much for Slade Steel.

Blackmore tried her hardest to get Slade Steel home in front but went down by a length and a quarter to the 100-30 winner.

"That was a good performance, I'm delighted with how he jumped and settled in front. It looks like a big improvement on his hurdling form," said Mullins.

"Fences are bringing out improvement in him and I'm very happy with that. His attitude to jumping was tremendous as well. Paul was very happy with it and I was very happy watching.

"He seemed to be able to put in quick ones and take a flier when he wanted. Generally, for a horse first time over fences, it was a very good first start.

"Paul was giving me