Flemenstar clinches Arkle glory

Flemenstar has run out a convincing winner of the Frank Ward Solicitors Arkle Novice Chase at Leopardstown.

Leading before three out in the hands of Andrew Lynch, Peter Casey’s seven-year-old quickly pulled clear of his rivals in the testing conditions.

The 6-4 favourite went on to score by 19 lengths from Gift Of Dgab, with British raider Notus De La Tour plugging on for third for David Pipe.

Blackstairmountain was a big disappointment and was never able to put in a challenge.

t was a first Grade One success for the winning trainer, who said: "He's not going to Cheltenham. I don't know where we'll go, maybe something like the Powers Gold Cup at Fairyhouse.

“He likes that soft ground. It’s great the owner hung on to him or I wouldn’t have had him. My son Peter said this morning that the horse was in great form. He had a spin at the Curragh last week.

“He settled well and did everything right. He’s a lovely horse and I’ve always thought the world of him.”