Denis O'Regan© Photo Healy Racing
Countrywide Flame (11/4) was an impressive winner of the Grade One StanJames.com Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle.
Denis O'Regan was motionless throughout the contest aboard last season's JCB Triumph Hurdle hero and he went to the front two out as long-time leader Bothy cried enough.
10/11 favourite Cinders And Ashes was tracking the eventual winner at that stage but the Supreme Novices' hero was soon in trouble.
O'Regan finally gave Countrywide Flame his head after the final obstacle and he sauntered clear to win in style.
