Sivola scores for in-form Meade & Flanagan

Noel Meade trained his seventh winner in a fortnight at Down Royal today as his Bel Ami De Sivola landed the Tayto Group Maiden Hurdle to provide the former Champion Trainer and jockey Sean Flanagan with their second winners in as many days at the venue.

Flanagan, successful on Rashaan in the Grade 2 WKD Hurdle yesterday, moved Bel Ami De Sivola to the front approaching the final flight and the pair eventually recorded a comfortable three and a quarter lengths win.

Meade, successful with bumper winner Joey Sasa yesterday, later commented “he (Bel Ami De Sivola) was weak last year and two and a half miles would probably suit him better and while the ground is nice, it's probably a little bit quick for most.

"He'll stay over hurdles but we'll see we'll have to talk to his owner (Michael O’Leary’s Gigginstown House Stud) and see what happens. He will make a lovely chaser in time.”

By Tom Weekes, quotes from Michael Graham