Flanking Maneuver and Sean Flanagan© Photo Healy Racing
Following on from his 70th birthday yesterday, when he had a winner at Cork with Hes A Hardy Bloke, Noel Meade kept a good weekend going as Flanking Maneuver (5/4 favourite) took the Happy New Year From All At Fairyhouse Maiden Hurdle.
Stable jockey Sean Flanagan was on Hes A Hardy Bloke, and he was aboard Flanking Maneuver too.
The Gigginstown House Stud-owned six-year-old stamped his authority on this two and a half miler from the penultimate hurdle.
He eventually eased home by six lengths from the second market choice, Folcano
“He's done it really well and the step up in trip was obviously a big help to him,” said Flanagan.
“His bumper form was quite classy and he always showed a good bit at home. I'm delighted that he's brought it forward today.
“I'd say the horse that beat us the first day was quite smart too. I think the step up in trip today really benefitted him.”
D.J. Hand, rider of Autumn Crusade trained by Dermot Anthony McLoughlin, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount ran in snatches.
P. Townend, rider of Runrized (FR) trained by W.P. Mullins, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount never travelled.
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Runrized (FR), trained by W.P. Mullins, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to have a wound to its left fore fetlock, to be stiff and to have blood at the nose post race.
(GC & EM)
