Boris gets off the mark over flights

The Alan Fleming trained Boris De Blae followed up on his recent bumper win at Downpatrick as he took the Charleville Cheese Maiden Hurdle in the colours of owner Barry Connell.

The five-year-old son of Mahler was second and fourth on his first two efforts over flights and he was sent off the 10/11 favourite today.

Settled in mid-division by Adrian Heskin he improved into a close third after three out.

He travelled strongly to challenge before the second last and cruised to the front on the run to the last, keeping on well on the run-in to score by Icantsay (4/1), who attempted to make all, finished second under Niall Kelly while Patience Miner (12/1) was a further six lengths back in third under John Fitzpatrick for Iggy Madden.

Alan Fleming said afterwards: "He is a point to point winner so we felt we should step him right up in trip.

"He's a lazy horse and Adrian was good on him and took a pull between the last two.

"He's had a few issues, which were minor, but is improving and we'll look for a handicap with him next. It's great to get two wins with him at this time out year."

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes