Only By Night manages to hit two out of two over fences

Only By Night continued her progress over obstacles with a dominant performance in the Coolmore NH Sires Order Of St George Irish EBF Mares Novice Chase in Cork.

Gavin Cromwell's protégé appeared to be a shrewd recruit for the chase game when he readily represented Mirazur West in their fencing debut in Tipperary last month, and was promoted to second grade here in the hands of Sean Flanagan.

The leaders came to the fore at the end of the extended two-mile contest, with 7-4 favorite Nara having the upper hand and jumping the fourth fence from the finish, but halfway down the home straight it was clear that Only By Night ( 2 -1) had significantly more petrol in the tank.

After losing her head, the six-year-old shot clean and had a good lead of three and three-quarter lengths for the eventual winner.

“She was good at Tipperary and built on that. I thought today would come soon, but in a race like this you have to try,” said Cromwell.

“She is a very big mare, jumps very well and I am looking forward to a lot more from her.

“The Second Grade Mares Novice Chase at Thurles in January should be her next race.”

Only By Night was reduced from 25/1 to 12/1 by racing sponsors for the Mrs Paddy Power Mares' Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.