Farmers Lodge scores for Connell and Flanagan

Farmers Lodge justified good support to cement a new partnership between Barry Connell and Sean Flanagan in the Roganstown Hotel And Country Club 20th Anniversary Handicap Hurdle at Fairyhouse.

The lightly raced Presenting gelding was available at 6/1 overnight but went off at half those odds and travelled well to lead at the penultimate flight.

The 3/1 favourite kept on well on the run-in to beat In For The Night who made a mistake at the last, by four and three-quarter lengths. Tonaghneave Well was a further two and a half lengths away in third with Harsh completing the places in fourth.

Connell announced earlier this week that he’d split with previous stable jockey Michael O’Sullivan.

Connell said, "It doesn't always work but he was 130 over fences and won his beginners chase here.

“He's had a few issues and hasn't been straightforward to train.

“If you go back and look at his two runs in Thurles, he was fourth to Daddy Long Legs and Asian Master. 113 looked a nice mark over hurdles but it doesn't always work out.

“We schooled him during the week and he wasn't spending any time in the air, he was very slick.

“We have options and we'll probably keep him over hurdles for the time being. He's obviously going to go up for that.

“He won his beginners on heavy ground and is after winning there on good ground so he seems to be ground versatile.

“He was working well at home. It was a one horse market but when they are off the track for that long it's very pleasing to see him go and do it.

“I'm not sure if there is anything for him in Leopardstown but we'll find somewhere for him."

Connell was going one better having had to settle for the runner-up spot with Apple's Of Bresil in the previous rated novice hurdle.

“The other horse ran well. The horse that beat him had a run in a handicap and it was probably just lack of experience did for Apple's Of Bresil.

“We've three nice horses to run tomorrow."

Quotes by Gary Carson