Treble for Flanagan as Rashaan sprints home

Sean Flanagan completed the first treble of his career at Cork, as he guided Rashaan to victory in the feature 20 Year Celebration Dowling Security Hurdle.

A winner on the level at Clonmel in May, the Colin Kidd trained five-year-old followed-up at Down Royal last month.

He disappointed in the Grade 3 Grimes Hurdle at Tipperary last Thursday, and he went off a 5/2 chance this evening.

Flanagan, who was earlier successful on Abraham and Major Destination settled the chestnut gelding behind the leaders.

He was pushed along in second three from home, and looked held coming to the final flight, however he unearthed some on his flat speed on the run-in, sweeping to the front before going on to win by two and a quarter lengths. Pique Sous (13/8fav), who was in front throughout, had to settle for second under Ruby Walsh for Willie Mullins.

The front two went seven and a half lengths clear of Jeannot De Nonant who was third.

Colin Kidd said afterwards: "He has some attitude and it just proves last week that he just hates going left-handed and easy-fix hurdles. We examined him and found absolutely nothing wrong with him and was bouncing out of his skin all week so I said we'd run again.

"Two miles over hurdles is now too sharp for him and he'll go for the Amateur Riders Handicap at Galway next. I've nobody booked to ride yet but we'll see what weight he gets although off a rating of 86 on the flat he should be competitive.

"Without a doubt I'd like to step him up to three miles rather than back down to two (miles) and that's nine wins now. He's unbelievable and keeps coming back for more but we'll never go left-handed with him again.

"Myself and Sean (Flanagan) go back a long, long way and I'm delighted to be part of his first treble - he's riding out of his skin."

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes