Flame burns brightly in Thurles opener

The Gavin Cromwell-trained Jeremys Flame ran out a cosy winner of the opening mares novice chase at Thurles under a confident ride by Keith Donoghue. Dolcita made the running in the two-mile-six contest before 6/4 favourite jumped to the the front five from home.

There was little between the market leaders jumping the second last but Dolcita soon came under pressure.

Jeremys Flame loomed up to challenged turning for home and eased to the front on the long run down to the last fence.

Donoghue just had to shake up his mount on the run-in to record a five-length victory on the 11/4 shot.

Dolcita (13/8) stayed on again late on to claim the runner-up spot.

Jeremys Flame had beaten Dolcita when the pair met at Naas in early January and was also confirming form with Minella Melody who had been behind her when she chased home Ballyshannon Rose in Grade 2 company here last month.

The winning rider said:- "It was a good performance and she jumped well the whole way. She settled and it was her first time at that trip but she has seen it out well.

"It was a good opportunity, she is a consistent mare and deserves a few wins. She could be one for Fairyhouse (at Easter).

"That's a nice winner for the yard and we're happy that they are running well."

It was Cromwell's first winner in just over a month.

(Quotes by Tom Weekes)