Waterloo Chateau and Mark Flanagan© Photo Healy Racing
Waterloo Chateau landed a touch and in the process provided rider Mark Flanagan with a welcome change of luck when landing the 2m7f handicap chase at Downpatrick.
Backed on track from 20/1 into half those odds, the Gerry Keane-trained veteran was adding to previous successes in a bumper and maiden hurdle but it was nearly four years since he last entered the winners’ enclosure.
It is even longer since Mark Flanagan rode a winner, although he's only recently returned to the saddle after a spell away from the sport.
Waterloo Chateau was on the sidelines for three years until reappearing last September but hadn’t shown much to give encouragement here. Hidden Present jumped superbly out in front and appeared to have them all in trouble but a mistake at the last proved crucial and he was soon reeled in after that blunder.
Flanagan, partnering his first winner since Indianaca won over hurdles at Navan in March 2008, took full advantage and his mount kept on well to beat 11/4 favourite Preswell Lad by three and a quarter lengths.
Flanagan said: "I had seven winners before tonight - six on the flat and one over hurdles - and that's my first ride over fences.
“I packed in the riding and was tipping away at other things. Gerry was good to put me up. I started with Michael Cunningham."
Keane said: "He was a good horse in his day, but he has had a lot of problems. He was coming to himself at home though and schooling well.
“Mark did all the schooling on him at home, and he rides out for me. That was the horse's first handicap over fences and he took to them well.
“He loved that ground and will go all summer if he stays sound. We thought he was crying out for fences."
(MG & AM)
