Highland Fling doubles up at Listowel

Highland Fling became the first horse to win twice at Listowel this week when landing the M J Carroll ARRO Handicap Hurdle, the feature race on the final day of the Festival meeting.

The Gavin Cromwell-trained also scored on the Flat here just two days ago, and pulled out in great form again for this 2m4f test.

The well-backed 5/2 favourite travelled well under Ger Fox to lead two out and, despite a slight mistake at the last, stayed on really well on the run-in to win by six and a half lengths. Charlie Stout took the runner-up spot, with Kilcarry Bridge another length and three quarters back in third.

Fox said, “He was travelling well the whole way and loves that ground. He jumped well although I was a bit lucky to stay up at the last.

“Gavin’s horses are running well at the moment. The run on the Flat the other day probably helped to sharpen him up for day.”