Sivola completes hat-trick for Meade

Bel Ami De Sivola produced a tough front-running performance to complete a hat-trick in the two-and-a-half mile rated novice hurdle at Fairyhouse today.

Sean Flanagan was soon in front on the well backed 9/4 shot (4/1 this morning) and he had rivals on the stretch turning for home.

The Noel Meade-trained Gigginstown gelding had to be asked for an effort before the final flight but knuckled down well in the closing stages for a three-parts-of-a-length win. Bilko another Gigginstown runner, tried hard to peg him back but it was Teacher’s Pet, who ran on again close home, that eventually grabbed the runner-up spot.

Bel Ami De Sivola had won a Punchestown bumper in October before opening his hurdling account at Down Royal last month.

"I think he's a very good horse, and a chaser in the making. Maybe Sean made a bit too much use of him but he's won which is the main thing,” said Meade.

“I wasn't against making the running but maybe he went a bit too quick. Three miles would not be a problem and he could sit in instead of making it.

"I always thought he wanted it soft but he seems to love that ground. He was very weak last year so we left him off and he's come back a lot stronger."

(Quotes by Alan Magee)