News
Flemenstar lights up Leopardstown
Flemenstar put up a hugely impressive performance to take the Frank Ward Solicitors Arkle Novice Chase at Leopardstown.
The seven-year-old, twice a winner since being beaten by Bog Warrior on his fencing debut, was sent off the 6-4 favourite for the Grade One prize as rain turned the conditions testing.
Andrew Lynch sent Peter Casey's stable star into the lead three out and he soon came away from the opposition, leaving Gift Of Dgab trailing as he jumped superbly for a 19-length victory, eased down. Market rival Blackstairmountain never got into the race.
It was a first Grade One success for the winning trainer, who said: "He's not going to Cheltenham. I don't know where we'll go, maybe something like the Powers Gold Cup at Fairyhouse.
"He likes that soft ground. It's great the owner hung on to him or I wouldn't have had him. My son Peter said this morning that the horse was in great form. He had a spin at the Curragh last week.
"He settled well and did everything right. He's a lovely horse and I've always thought the world of him."
Senior Again (9-2) ploughed through the mud to land a game success in the Sandyford Handicap Chase.
Alan Crowe made eye-catching progress on Francis Flood's six-year-old to jump the last in the front rank and Senior Again held the renewed effort of Uncle Tom Cobley by three-quarters of a length, with Arkendale just behind in third.
The trainer's son, Fran Flood jnr, said: "Alan gave him a great ride and waited and waited. After the race he was telling me he loves that ground, but I was afraid before the race it was too soft. He was just holding on at the line."
