Seo Linn and Billy Lee at Cheltenham© Photo Healy Racing
Paddy Twomey and Billy Lee have their sights now set on the Dublin Racing Festival after a successful Cheltenham raid with Seo Linn.
The trainer-and-jockey combination are Group One winners on the Flat and most known for their exploits on the level.
However, the duo made a rare but fruitful foray into the winter code with their classy four-year-old, who scooped Listed honours in impressive fashion at Prestbury Park.
Seo Linn could now seek further bumper riches closer to home in the Grade Two mares’ contest that concludes the Leopardstown action on February 2, while a trip to the Grand National meeting at Aintree may also be on the cards before attention is turned to the Flat.
“For Billy and myself, it was a bit of a novelty going to Cheltenham but we really enjoyed it and it was great the way she won – she won comprehensively,” said Twomey.
“She has come home safe and well and I suppose we may look at the mares’ bumper at the Dublin Racing Festival and there’s another mares’ bumper at Aintree in April. I’m sure after that we’ll be looking for a maiden back on the Flat in Ireland.
“She’s a filly with a bit of talent but she’s late maturing and I said to Billy ‘let’s start her in bumpers and go to the Flat afterwards’. I think that is what happens and if we could win a maiden on the Flat next spring, then she could maybe get a bit of black type on the Flat after that.”
However, it appears Seo Linn’s success is unlikely to whet the appetite for further runners under National Hunt rules, with the trainer content to stick with what he knows best.
When asked if he may be seen saddling more runners in the winter game, Twomey added: “I think we’re OK, I think we’ll stick to what we know.”
