Dot Love and Flindt© Photo Healy Racing
There could hardly have been a better outcome to the Happy Retirement Dot Love Ladies Handicap Hurdle at Fairyhouse today as the Mullingar handler won with her second last runner, Flindt
Mrs Love of course enjoyed her finest hour at this venue when Liberty Counsel won the 2013 Irish Grand National under Ben Dalton.
She now hands over the reins to long time assistant Ciaran Murphy. His brother Aaron won on a memorable weekend for the stable, aboard Betty Zane at Cork yesterday.
Sarah Kavanagh took the mount on 16/1 chance Flindt, and in an event where plenty held chances until late on — off an ordinary gallop — the victor saw off the strong finishing Djasek by a length and a quarter.
“I thought yesterday was the highlight but they came through for me. I never ever thought it would happen again today, it's a fairytale,” said Mrs Love.
“The horse came through for me, he jumped like a buck, and Sarah gave him a wonderful ride.
“It's special for it to happen here and Peter Roe was very good to name the race after me, that was moving.
“Having had the Irish National winner here as well it's a lovely way to finish.
“This is my second biggest day, I will never forget it.
“We are changing roles, he'll just boss me about a bit more!”
The Stewards requested a report from Mrs D.A.Love, trainer as to the apparent improvement in form of Flindt, placed first, as compared with its recent most recent run. The trainer reported that she was disappointed with the horse's most recent run but could offer no explanation other than he possibly ran too freely. Having considered the report the Stewards noted the Trainer's explanation.
(GC & EM)
