Zanahiyr, the third-place finisher in the Champion Hurdle, secured his first victory over fences in an exhilarating battle with Aspire Tower at the Horse & Jockey Beginners Chase in Thurles.
The race boasted a competitive field, featuring contenders like Feu Du Bresil and Figaroc from Willie Mullins' yard, Pinkerton from Noel Meade's stable, and Mighty Tom ridden by Cian Collins. However, the spotlight was firmly on Zanahiyr and Aspire Tower as they engaged in a captivating tussle for supremacy.
Jockey Rachael Blackmore took the initiative with Aspire Tower, but Jack Kennedy, aboard Zanahiyr, was determined not to let her gain too much ground. Zanahiyr, who had previously shown promise in hurdle races and encountered the highly-regarded Fact To File on his chasing debut, displayed greater fluency in his jumping this time around. Nonetheless, Aspire Tower seemed to have the upper hand as they approached the final obstacle.
However, Zanahiyr (7-4 favourite) had previously finished within three and a half lengths of Constitution Hill over a distance of two and a half miles at Aintree, showcasing his stamina. This quality ultimately proved decisive as he triumphed by half a length. Kennedy expressed his satisfaction with the performance, stating, "He was really just finding his stride towards the end. He's at a good age now and can handle distances beyond two miles, so I'm thrilled that he emerged victorious." Kennedy also noted that he was keen to maintain a prominent position during the race and was not concerned about the distance, despite initially feeling that Blackmore was pulling away. He commended Zanahiyr's determination and resilience.
Looking ahead, Kennedy highlighted the horse's versatility, stating that he could step up in distance or perform well in strongly-run two-mile races, offering numerous possibilities for future races.