Flame shines Brightest under Fox

The Noel Meade trained Brightest Flame got off the mark on the fourth time of asking, as he ran out an easy winner of the Ryan's Racecourse Services Maiden Hurdle.

A good second on his debut at Downpatrick in October, the son of Shantou then finished fifth in a bumper at Fairyhouse.

He went back over flights on his last start, which was again at the Co Meath venue, and he finished fourth on that occasion in the race won by Minella Till Dawn.

Sent off the 2/1 second favourite today, he was settled behind the leaders by Ger Fox. He was pushed along in third from three out, and was ridden to challenge before the next, hitting the front before that flight, staying on well up the hill to score easily by twenty lengths.

The 6/4 favourite Berry Des Aulmes had no answer once headed before the second last, and he had to settle for second under Jack Kennedy for Gordon Elliott. Thekingofrocknroll (7/1) completed the placings a further eighteen lengths back in third.

Ger Fox said afterwards: "The blinkers (first time) were a big help to him, the softer ground and the stiff track here also helped him. The undulations just sweetened him up a bit.

"He travelled well most of the way, all he does is stay, he is a pure galloper. He'll get further and he just stayed on up the hill really well."