Flaviana© Photo Healy Racing
There was some controversy in the Midland Breeders Supporting Kilbeggan Beginners Chase at Kilbeggan today as 11/8 favourite Crezic lined up away from the field, was slowly away, and in the end finished second to the Jessica Harrington trained winner Flaviana
Crezic, under Keith Donoghue, initially appeared reluctant to move towards the other 13 runners as his rivals walked towards the starting tape. When starter Derek Cullen released the tape, Crezic was at the outside railing, out of sight on television, and in the end missed the break and was last to jump the first fence.
Crezic did quickly catch up and accelerated to race in a prominent position but ultimately was no match for winner Flaviana which scored by four and a quarter lengths,
Flaviana's jockey Darragh O'Keeffe has created a good impression in recent times and was partnering his fourth career win while winning trainer Jessica Harrington, handler of the mighty Alpha Centauri, wasn't present for the win.
Quotes from Alan Magee