Lean Times clears this hurdle with ease under Davy Russell© Photo Healy Racing
On just his second start for local trainer Michael Flannery, Lean Times produced a game front running display to take the Mulholland Bookmakers Maiden Hurdle with Champion Jockey Davy Russell in the saddle.
The 7yo chestnut son of Marignan was previously trained by Noel Meade and he won his bumper for him at Kilbeggan in July of 2010.
He went hurdling after that success but failed to score on eight attempts before going to Flannery's yard.
On his debut for Flannery he finished fourth behind Ballyadam Approach at Killarney earlier this month and was sent off the 3/1 favourite to account for his rivals this evening.
Having made all the running he was ridden clear after the second last where he pecked on landing.
His lead was reduced at the last but he found more when pressed and plugged on gamely to score by a length and a quarter at the line.
The 7/2 second favourite Flaming Hymn for Garrett Power and Barry John Foley attempted to challenge the winner after the last up his inside but he was short of room and had to be switched right before keeping on at the same pace.
The Colm Murphy trained Easy Mate finished a further three parts of a length back in third at 7/1 under Robbie Power having been backed from his morning price of 12/1.
Winning trainer Michael Flannery said afterwards: "Noel Meade done all the training with him so I won't take the kudos for it.
"I only have him around eight weeks. He ran well the last time at Killarney and he was entitled to come on from that.
"I would be afraid to run him on ground that’s too quick, todays ground was just safe.
"He is a horse who has had a lot of problems so the main thing is to keep him right."
Flannery was recording his first success since Second Glance score also at Ballinrobe on the 21st of August last year.
After the race Barry John Foley was suspended by the Stewards for three days for riding improperly after an incident involving his mount and Easy Mate with Robbie Power aboard before the turn into the straight.
Donal Murphy & Thomas Weekes
