Jockey Flanagan completes Cork treble

Sean Flanagan completed a Cork treble today as he steered even-money favourite Maxi Mac Gold to land the Racing Again May 21st Maiden Hurdle and thus provided trainer Paul Nolan with a double of his own.

The pair combined to win the opening race with Palamon and with Flanagan having steered the Tom Mullins-trained Master Otis to land the second, Maxi Mac Gold ran out an effortless winner of his heat, on his first attempt over three-miles.

Nolan wasn't present and Flanagan reported “this (Maxi Mac Gold) is the horse I fancied more than my other rides today, as he is very very genuine and is such a good ride.

“I think cheekpieces might actually help him because he is a little lairy although I think it is through greeness. He rides like a classy type of horse and his winter form would put him far superior today.

“He is a very scopey, very nice horse who does everything well. He always raced behind the bridle and over two-miles it was a problem but over three it is a plus as he switches off really well.

“He's a horse you'd look forward to jumping a fence with.”

Flanagan, who bagged two recent Punchestown festival winners, added “it is a brilliant start to the season for Paul and James (Nolan) and their horses are in a good vein of form. They have some really nice horses and more importantly have really good owners who can purchase them, and I'm happy to be riding for them.

“I've had three or four previous trebles.”