continued her progress over fences with a dominant display in the Coolmore N.H. Sires Order Of St George Irish EBF Mares Novice Chase at
.
Gavin Cromwell’s charge had looked a smart recruit to the chasing game when readily accounting for Mirazur West on her fencing debut at Tipperary last month and was stepping up to Grade Two level here in the hands of Sean Flanagan.
The market principals came to the fore at the end of the extended two-mile contest, with the 7-4 favourite Nara holding sway jumping the fourth fence from the finish, but it was clear halfway up the home straight that Only By Night (2-1) had far more petrol in the tank.
Once given her head, the six-year-old cruised clear and was good value for the eventual winner margin of three and three-quarter lengths.
“She was good in Tipperary and has built on that. I thought today was coming plenty soon but with a race like this, you have to go for it,” said Cromwell.
“She is a very big mare, jumps very well and I’m looking forward to plenty more from her.
“The Grade Two mares’ novice chase at Thurles in January would look to be her next race.”
Only By Night was cut to 12-1 from 25-1 by the race sponsors for the Mrs Paddy Power Mares’ Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.