Arkle runner-up Only By Night slashed to 6-1 for Mares' Chase at Cheltenham after winning comeback in Naas thriller

Robcour's Brian Acheson got an instant return on his brand new signing Only By Night, who won a high-quality Barberstown Castle Chase on her first day in new colours and was cut to 6-1 (from 8-1) for the Mares' Chase at the Cheltenham Festival by sponsors Paddy Power.

Last season's Arkle runner-up had to fight all the way to the line in the Grade 3, but she found plenty for pressure under Keith Donoghue to score by a short head from Champ Kiely.

Ile Atlantique was the best-backed horse in the race, but he cut out badly after the second-last having been backed from 5-1 in the morning into 9-4, while favourite Inthepocket came down at the second-last when looking in trouble.

Winning trainer Gavin Cromwell said: "I'm delighted as I’ve been wanting to have a horse for Brian for a long time and it’s a nice start. She’s a real good mare. She's genuine and brilliant to jump, but she will never go and win by a few lengths. She only does enough and we got the right result there which was great."

Cromwell said Only By Night would have no problem staying that longer trip, adding: "The first day we ran her over two miles over fences, we thought it was going to be way too sharp for her but she’s jumped so quick that she’s been effective at two miles. Two and a half won’t be a problem. Ultimately, the Mares' Chase at Cheltenham is the plan."

Mullins has big dreams

You can't say your weren't told!

Tony Mullins told every podcast going that Letos was his horse to follow for the season and the five-year-old French import duly obliged in the Listed SIS Brown Lad Handicap Hurdle in the manner of a smart one as Spillane's Tower disappointed back in ninth.

Mullins said of the 11-1 winner: "I said to the owner before the race that he has to win this to be the real one, which I believe he is. He’s only five, he's a huge horse and he might bring us to where we dream of going.

"He could go for the Coral Cup or the Pertemps Final route but we’ll have to discuss that. I ride him out myself at home and he feels like a horse who wants three miles. We’re just hoping to get something nice along the way, but our eventual plan is chasing and that’s where I’d have the real big dreams."

Letos and Danny Mullins win the Brown Lad Handicap Hurdle

Letos and Danny Mullins (right) win the Brown Lad Handicap HurdleCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Panther pounces

Irish Panther could tackle Grade 1 company next in the Racing Post Novice Chase at Leopardstown over Christmas after scooting clear to win the 2m beginners' chase by eight lengths under Kieren Buckley for the father-and-son training combo of Eddie and Patrick Harty.

Eddie Harty said: “That was exciting and he’s a nice horse. He won very well at Clonmel, which he was entitled to do, and I thought that was a very good performance. He jumped really well and what really amazed me was how quickly he put it to bed, he actually sprinted.

"The Racing Post Novice Chase at Christmas would be more than likely where we go now. I don’t know if he’ll go again in between as he’s had two races now in three weeks, which is enough in my opinion."

Canning celebrates

Legendary All-Ireland-winning hurler Joe Canning was celebrating after Tir Og stayed on strongly to wear down Our Lucky Lady in the 2m novice hurdle.

Canning is part of the Keepthehighballlow Syndicate who own Tir Og and winning trainer Eoin Seymour said the syndicate is growing every time she runs.

"Johnny Moylan set it up and there seems to be more in the syndicate every day she goes out!" he laughed. "They are having a fantastic time, they're having a right craic with her and that's her third win!"

Moylan also bred the 5-2 winner, who will head to Limerick at Christmas next.

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