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Lyons laments lack of opportunities for Spanish Flame

Spanish Flame and Colin Keane win the Irish EBF Median Sires Series Maiden at Roscommon Spanish Flame and Colin Keane win the Irish EBF Median Sires Series Maiden at Roscommon
© Photo Healy Racing

Ger Lyons has spoken of his frustration at the lack of upcoming races for recent impressive Roscommon maiden winner Spanish Flame.

The Vincent Gaul owned two-year-old made a very eye catching debut when fourth at Leopardstown last month, before getting off the mark with the minimum of fuss at the western track just over two weeks ago.

In an interview on Racing TV, Lyons said of Spanish Flame: "He didn't qualify for the Chesham (at Royal Ascot) which would have been a lovely race for him.

"He's shouting, kicking the door down wanting to run!

"There's no real race for him until July - that's the trouble over here, your winners' races are few and far between, and then you have to step into stakes company.

"We are going to have to keep him in one piece and start him again in July.

"He looks a smart horse, he's a real man of a horse. Nothing seems to faze him and I like the way he is training at home.

"Fingers crossed he has a light at the end of a very dark tunnel!"

About John O'Riordan
John has worked for the Press Association since 2022. He also writes a weekly column for The Irish Field and is a regular contributor to the Irish Racing Yearbook. He has previously written for the Racing Post, Irish Examiner and Irish Daily Mirror. He has been involved in racing for over three decades; having experience as a syndicate member, sole owner and breeder.