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John O'Riordan

John O'Riordan

Lakefield a Flyer for Shark and McGarvey

Fri 19th May 2023, 19:05

Lakefield Flyer and Jody McGarvey win the Remembering Caughoo Beginners SteeplechaseLakefield Flyer and Jody McGarvey win the Remembering Caughoo Beginners Steeplechase
© Photo Healy Racing

Lakefield Flyer justified favouritism in style when easily landing the Remembering Caughoo Beginners Chase for Shark Hanlon and Jody McGarvey at Downpatrick.

The five-year-old gelding was making his first start over fences here but had previous experience in point-to-points. Making most, the McGarvey ridden winner was briefly challenged by eventual second Ask the Leader before the second last but soon saw off that threat and bounded clear.

A good jump at the last sealed the issue, allowing McGarvey to just keep his mount up to the task inside the final furlong.

It was a timely winner for trainer Shark Hanlon, who has a weekend engagement at Auteuil with Hewick in the French Champion Hurdle.

Jody McGarvey said: "He jumps very well. It wasn't the plan to make the running, but he jumped so well that I wasn't going to give the ground away.

"He had a little look in front and I had him nice and relaxed, and he was breathing well. I didn't feel like I was going too hard.

"I was talking to him (Shark Hanlon) about an hour ago and he informed me that was a certainty! They are all watching in an Irish pub in Chantilly."

Additional reporting by Michael Graham

About John O'Riordan
John has worked for the Press Association since 2022. He also writes a weekly column for The Irish Field and is a regular contributor to the Irish Racing Yearbook. He has previously written for the Racing Post, Irish Examiner and Irish Daily Mirror. He has been involved in racing for over three decades; having experience as a syndicate member, sole owner and breeder.