Slane Hill and Sean Flanagan © Photo Healy Racing
Substitute-jockey Sean Flanagan was strong on chasing debutant Slane Hill in the beginners' chase at Kilbeggan as the pair beat Clondaw Hollow and Ben Harvey in a thrilling finish.
The two had the race to themselves a fair way out and Slane Hill put in a great leap three out, but was less than fluent in reaching for the next.
The two horses were locked together at the last and Slane Hill looked to have conceded the initiative to Clondaw Hollow when he pecked slightly upon touching down, however, Flanagan got him swiftly back rocking and rolling.
He drove his mount up on the outer of Clondaw Hollow close home to win by half a length. Magheralin Mick couldn't go with the front pair and settled for third at 5/1 some nine lengths off them.
Trainer Barry Connell said: “He's a fine big horse, he has plenty of scope and the ground is beautiful out there.
“He disappointed us in Gowran the last day, but the ground was typical heavy Gowran ground.
“He won his maiden hurdle in Naas and then ran a nice race in Gowran. He was favourite there the last day, but just got stuck in it.
“I wasn't sure what way he'd go today, he had schooled great. It was just really to get his confidence back and give him something different to do.
“He was a bit guessy at a few. He has so much scope that he was kind of getting too brave.
“Two out he stood outside the wings and then he landed on his head. I'd say it knocked the stuffing out of him, he went from travelling really well to having to chase after him.
“He seems to handle that ground lovely, and country tracks, so we'll keep him on the go.
“He'll be a novice until November now. He won half a length there, so I suppose he (handicapper) can't be too hard on him.
“It was an ordinary race, although Clondaw Hollow had some good back form. It's nice to get the job done anyway.”
Slane Hill won his maiden hurdle at Naas before Christmas.
Flanagan replaced Michael O'Sullivan who injured earlier on the card.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
