Flyer too strong for his rivals

Phil The Flyer turned a competitive two-mile handicap hurdle into a procession as he powered clear for an impressive victory.

Shane Shortall tracked the leaders on the 15/2 shot before jumping into the lead at the halfway point.

The Ray Hackett-trained gelding was sent on going to the second last and soon skipped clear of his field. He kept on strongly in the closing stages for a seven-length success.

The Broadway Flyer gelding was following up a success at Cork last month and he had also scored at Tramore in April.

"He won over two and a half miles the last day at Cork and I said to Shane to make plenty of use of him," said Hackett. "The uphill finish was always going to help.

"He needs good ground and I would like to jump a fence with him this year before the ground goes. He's not a deep winter ground horse."

(Quotes by Alan Magee)