Search
Punchestown 2024
Punchestown 2024
- irishracing.com
- Punchestown
- News
- Mindsmadeup a winning spare for Flanagan
Michael Graham
Mindsmadeup a winning spare for Flanagan
Mindsmadeup clear at Downpatrick
© Photo Healy Racing
Mindsmadeup brought up plenty of bets in the extended two mile seven handicap chase at Downpatrick and was a winning spare ride for Sean Flanagan.
Flanagan came in for the ride because Bryan Cooper, who won the previous race on Demi Plie felt unwell.
The eight-year-old gelding was backed from 11/1 in the morning, 11/2 on opening show and finished up 3/1 favourite.
He tracked front-running School Lane with the pair clear three out. He was steered into the lead at the penultimate fence and stormed home by 17 lengths.
School Lane (7/1) could make no impression and finished second, some 11 lengths clear of See Double You (14/1).
Trainer Matthew Smith said: "He wouldn't show you a whole lot at home and I didn't know what to expect but he had great placed form with James Sheehan. I'm delighted with him.
"We'll keep him going over the summer - he has form over a variety of trips, over two miles and further.
"Sean (Flanagan) said he loved the ground.
"Based on that yes I would (be looking at a good pot over the summer). I'm still learning about him.
"When he came first he was a bit keen and free and that but he settled well there for Sean. He gave him a lovely spin around."