Flanagan shines on Rule Of June

Rudy Catrail made a bold bid from the front in the Hanntec Handicap Chase but Rule Of June (4/1) eventually reeled him in under a well-judged ride from Sean Flanagan.

The eight-year-old mare, gaining her first success under Rules, improved from mid-division to go second before two out and was ridden to lead before the last. She stayed on well to beat Rudy Catrail by two lengths with Different Strokes another length and a half back in third.

Winning trainer Liam Casey said: "She was running in point-to-points all spring and the lads riding her done a great job of schooling her because she was very careful starting off. They brought her along and then she won two point-to-points.

"She had one run over fences on the track before today but had nine runs in point-to-points. We will keep her going on the good ground for the summer and it's great to win one. That's about her level. There is a 0-102 on the Friday of Killarney and she might go for that next. She is owned by my father Donal."

Sean Flanagan added: "I rode her the last day over hurdles at Killarney. She has a bit of point-to-point form. Both myself and Liam didn't really think she would be suited by the track. We went a nice enough gallop and she was a little bit negative early. Her jumping really came to the fore and she jumped really, really well. She galloped all the way to the line. She usually finishes very strong so at the bottom of the hill she kind of came back on the bridle and I was confident enough I'd win from there."

Quotes from Donal Murphy