Quirky Arizona Flyer wins again for Winters

The quirky Arizona Flyer justified 9/2 favouritism in the Toals Bookmakers (Q.R.) Handicap Hurdle (80-95) (DIV I).

The Fame And Glory mare travelled sweetly for jockey Chris O’Donovan during the race itself, improving from behind the leaders to hit the front at the last and racing clear, preceded by a loose horse, to win by two and a quarter lengths from Game Catch (17/2).

The hard part had been getting her to line up, as she had refused to race on a previous visit to Downpatrick and needed plenty of cajoling to take part on this occasion.

Eventually, all was well and the 6-year-old followed up her win at Tramore last week.

Winning trainer Michael Winters said: "Breeding breaks out anywhere through the eyes of a cat! She's a half sister to Tornado Flyer and Hurricane Run is close up in the family.

"She started out that way the first day out, with the jockey having trouble below in Gowran Park two years ago. We got well facilitated here, they do give them a shot up here (at starting). She's the quietest thing at home, she is like a lamb.

"We showed her the race before and she danced around a little bit. Next time we might not show her the race before, but look, she is well bred.

"Chris (O'Donovan) is our amateur jockey and he knows her very well. He works hard with the horses. He claims 7lb and we were delighted he got his turn.

"She could be retired after this summer I'd imagine unless she turns the corner."

Quotes from Michael Graham