Willie Mullins dominated the mares' beginners' chase at Tramore, with Space Tourist narrowly defeating stablemate A Penny A Hundred.
Space Tourist, who had previously jumped markedly left at the second-last fence, gave A Penny A Hundred an opening. A Penny A Hundred seized the chance and briefly gained a narrow lead. However, Space Tourist battled back on the inside and, after a head-to-head duel over the final fence, edged ahead in the closing stages to win by half a length. Paul Townend rode the 11/8 favourite to victory.
A Penny A Hundred, priced at 16/5, showed promise on her chasing debut after competing well over hurdles. Costanuci (7/2) finished a further four and a quarter lengths behind in third.
Mullins remarked, “It was a closely fought contest from the second last. I’m pleased with the win, and she might be better going left-handed.”
He also praised A Penny A Hundred’s performance, noting, “She jumped well on her first chase and should win a beginners’ chase soon.”
This was Space Tourist’s second attempt over fences, adding to her three hurdle victories and a bumper success.