Flemenstar fells Warrior

Flemenstar exacted resounding revenge on Bog Warrior when landing the Grade 3 Naas Directors Novice Chase in Naas yesterday.

Beaten by his rival when both horses made their chasing debuts at Navan back in November, Flemenstar edged ahead at the seventh and, outjumping Bog Warrior at every fence, had Davy Russell’s mount in trouble approaching the second last.

At that stage, outsider-of-three Frisco Depot came through to chase Flemenstar home, five and a half lengths adrift, while Bog Warrior dropped away tamely and was eased before finishing sixty lengths adrift.

“That was good, although Andrew said he hated that ground, ” declared winning trainer Peter Casey. “He missed two weeks because he was coughing. So he should improve from today. We haven’t seen the best of him yet. He’ll head to Fairyhouse now for the Power Gold Cup and, after that, his owner (Stephen Curran) might entertain some offers for him.”

Casey’s son Francis added: “He’s getting better and stronger with every run. Andrew said he was a bit fresh today, that he was pulling his arms out and that he had to let him stride on.”

Davy Russell reported that Bog Warrior had “run flat” while the horse was found to be “blowing hard” when examined by the Turf Club veterinary surgeon.

“It’s just a case of minding the horse to go over fences next season,” stated Jim Culloty after Lord Windermere, dropping from Grade 1 company, outpointed fellow 5/2 joint-favourite Balynacree in the opening www.naasracecourse.com Novice Hurdle.

Ridden by Tom Doyle and conceding weight to his eight rivals, Lord Windermere edged ahead at the second last and stayed on well up the hill to triumph by three lengths after the runner-up pecked when challenging at the final flight.

Culloty added: “That was a good performance, considering he’s crying out for a trip. He’ll be a better horse over two and a half miles and will make a lovely chaser next season. He’ll go to Fairyhouse now and will be out in a field before Punchestown. He’s a big, heavy horse and I wouldn’t run him on quick ground.”

Willie Mullins exclaimed: “That’s a relief after the way Maggie Connolly (earlier) and the two yesterday ran,” after A Fine Young Man, ridden by Ruby Walsh, justified even-money favouritism in the Sunday Market At Naas Maiden Hurdle.

“I’m very pleased with him. He wanted a trip and might go on to Fairyhouse or Punchestown, although he wants softer ground. He’ll be a nice horse over fences next season.”

A Fine Young Man, which carries the colours Doran Bros (London) Ltd, took command at the second last before being pressed late by Jeunopse (Nina Carberry), a length and a quarter separating the pair at the line.

On the mark with Steele’s Rock in Gowran on Saturday, Kieran Purcell continued on his winning ways when Paddy Pub, ridden by Paddy Mangan, landed the Woodlands Park 100 Club Leinster National at the expense of Arabella Boy and Rare Bob.

Paddy Pub, which returned to form with a success over hurdles on this track two weeks ago, was running from 5lb. out of the handicap and delighted his trainer, who commented: “He’s coming back to himself. It took time, but he seems to be enjoying his racing again. He’s had a few problems and I hope he’s alright in the morning. I’m not sure what we’ll do with him next.”

Raised 16lb. for a win at Gowran Park, the John Kiely-trained Up For The Match defied the handicapper when following-up in the Naas Supporters Handicap Hurdle, stretching clear on the run-in to beat longshot Shamiran by more than four lengths.

“He just keeps on improving,” said winning trainer Kiely of the J P McManus-owned Old Vic gelding, which was ridden to victory by Alan Crowe, “The ground is beginning to dry out, which he likes. I don’t know where he’ll go next, but he’ll definitely be a chaser in a year.”