Clean-sweep for flat jockeys in challenge

JOSEPH O’Brien, who will partner favourite Await The Dawn in tomorrow’s Juddmonte International in York, partnered 20/1 shot Long Wait to a narrow victory over stable-companion and joint-favourite Second Glance in the Hillstreet Quarries Jog For Jockeys Flat v National Hunt Riders Challenge at rainswept Roscommon last night.

Niggling along from an early stage, O’Brien persuaded the five-year-old to put his head in front close home to beat the Fran Berry-ridden Second Glance by a head with Seamus Heffernan’s mount Sparring Partner completing a clean-sweep for the flat jockeys in third spot. The placings remained unchanged after a Stewards Enquiry.

The outcome represented a significant achievement for Ballinrobe-based trainer Michael Flannery, who enthused: “That’s some result, I can’t believe it. I’ve always known that this fellow had ability but he’s a bit of a pup and needs plenty of encouragement. Joseph gave him a great ride and kept at him all the way, even when everyone watching him would have thought he was beaten”