Flanagans scores on hurdles debut

Flanagans Field got off the mark over hurdles on his first attempt, as he justified favouritism in the opener at Kilbeggan this evening, the Betpack Maiden Hurdle.

Trained by Dessie Hughes, the five-year-old son of Araafa ran well on his debut in a bumper at Roscommon in June, finishing just four lengths third to Knightsone.

He then finished seventh to The Mooch in another bumper at Wexford last month, before disappointing at Sligo, finishing a well-beaten fifth to Some Officer.

In what was a weak contest, he was sent off the 3/1 favourite under Roger Loughran, racing in second for the majority of the race.

He improved to lead after the third last, and was ridden after two out, keeping on well from there to score comfortably by nine lengths. Kestrel finished second at 5/1 under Martin Ferris for Edward Mitchell, while Ancelloti was sixteen lengths back in third under Brian O’Connell for Michael Cleary at 33/1.

Dessie Hughes, who does very well with his runners at Kilbeggan, said afterwards: "He ran respectable in bumpers but hurdling would seem to be his game.

"That wasn’t a great contest and you don’t get too many as soft as that."

Roger Loughran added: "He done plenty of schooling, he was fast and was very sharp. He won well and he will improve.

"The ground is quick but it is watered and there is no sting in it."

Additional reporting by Alan Magee