Getaway Mare Makes Smart Chase Debut

Bella Bliss (6m Getaway - Izabelle Amie, by Croco Rouge) appears to have a bright future over fences, judging by her smart chase debut at Ballinrobe on Monday.

The John McConnell-trained mare was well-supported in the market ahead of the Beginners Chase over two miles and seven furlongs, in which Alex Harvey rode her in touch for much of the way. She produced a faultless round of jumping and was pushed along to lead before the second last, keeping on well on the run-in to score by four lengths.

“She had loads left and whatever came to me, she was going to hold on,” the winning rider later said. “I'd schooled her last week and she'd schooled brilliantly. We thought she'd be a better horse over a fence and she's shown that there. She's a nice mare going forward.”

Bella Bliss adds to three wins over hurdles for owners Claire Wylie and Mark Devlin. Bred by William Mangan, the daughter of Getaway is a half-sister to three-time winner Chelseas Friend (Mahler).