L to r, winner Flindt (Eamonn Corbett), Andalusa (3rd, Paul Townend) and Beat Of The Sea (2nd, Cathal Landers)© Photo Healy Racing
As was the case in the opener at Kilbeggan the market got it wrong in race two at the County Westmeath venue, with the BetVictor Proudly Supporting Irish Racing Maiden Hurdle going the way of local hope Flindt (8/1 out to 14/1).
Athlone man Eamonn Corbett lost his right to claim after guiding Dot Love’s Most Improved gelding to success.
Corbett soon had Flindt in front, and joint favourite Andalusa (finished 3rd) was struggling when ‘missing’ the last.
That left Flindt to see off Beat Of The Sea (20s into 16s) by three and a half lengths, with a length and a quarter to Andalusa in third.
Charles Byrnes’ Institution (5/2 — 11/4 — 6/4 joint favourite) was a strong market mover but he couldn’t do any better than fourth.
Love's assistant trainer Ciaran Murphy said: “We always thought he was a nice horse on the Flat and he stays real well but this was always going to be his game.
“We laid him out for this after he came in as the owners are from Mullingar. He’ll come back here for a winners of one the next day.
“He’ll go novice hurdling over the summer and run on the Flat as well. The long term plan would be to go back to Galway.”
R.P. Treacy, rider of Sandaryann trained by E. McNamara, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount ran very keen early on and weakened.
(AM & EM)
