Oatfield Rose is clear at the last for Sean Flanagan© Photo Healy Racing
Sean Flanagan completed a quick double at Thurles as Oakfield Rose provided a 20/1 shock in the Killinan Handicap Hurdle.
The lightly-raced mare won a bumper for Ado McGuinness at Downpatrick but was off the track for over two years, with current trainer Eric Larkin explaining, “She missed time because she was in foal but she slipped the foal. We tried to put her back in foal but couldn’t.”
Oakfield Rose led after two out and drew clear to beat Loch Luatha by an easy eight lengths. Scotch Quay was a head further back in third, with Fairy Court completing the places in fourth.
Flanagan was on the mark in the previous 2m4f handicap hurdle aboard the equally impressive Broder for John Joe Walsh.
Larkin, who is based near Kilsheelin, added "I used to be in the army with Tom (Stapleton) and both he and his father Paul own her. They have stayed with me when they could have definitely gone to a more fashionable trainer but have left her with me and are very good to me. Their business imports organic fertiliser which is used by many of the leading stud farms.
"She is quirky enough and has ability but didn't handle Clonmel at all the last day and couldn't handle the hill and couldn't settle. She always runs with a tongue-tie and it does enough for her.
"That's two winners from just three runners this year so I can't complain about my strike-rate but I still can't get a horse to train. She's the only horse I have at present.
“She is a big mare and will jump a fence in time.”
(TW & AM)
