Needle opens hurdling account

Sean Flanagan delivered Cleopatra's Needle with a well-timed run as the Harry Rogers-trained mare made a winning start in handicap company over hurdles at Fairyhouse.

The Helmet mare had won on the Flat at Navan back in May and was making her fourth outing over timber today.

She settled out the back in the two-miler before coming to challenge at the final flight. The 16/1 shot stayed on best in the closing stages to record a two-and-three-quarter length win over Romella

“It was her first run in a handicap and Sean was very good on her. He put her to sleep and was the last one to get into it,” said Rogers.

“She's not a bad filly and she likes jumping. She showed a bit early on on the Flat and she was unlucky not to win three in a row.

“Then things just went wrong with her, she's a hard mare to keep right.

“She's one for good ground on the better tracks in those sort of races, she might get another one.

“Hopefully there should be more improvement in her.”