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Gary Carson

Gary Carson

Flame burns bright for McConnell

Sun 20th Mar 2022, 15:41

Andys Flame and Simon Torrens (black & white) beat Sight Nor SeenAndys Flame and Simon Torrens (black & white) beat Sight Nor Seen
© Photo Healy Racing

The John McConnell-trained Andys Flame prevailed after a good duel in the handicap hurdle at Downpatrick this afternoon. Sight Nor Seen went to the front two from home in the race, run over an extended two-miles-two, but was strongly pressed away from the last flight.

Andys Flame squeezed between horses to launch his challenge for Simon Torrens and just found a bit more close home to record a half length success.

The 6/1 shot was making his third start in handicap company over timber. He won a point-to-point on his debut last May.

McConnell said: "I love this place. Both Downpatrick and Down Royal are so well supported, it is great to come racing to both tracks.

"He ran a lovely race in a better race the last day. Better ground probably suited him and he is one for the future. He is still learning, he is a big baby and took a long time to mature even though he had won his point-to-point.

"Hopefully there is more good days in him. We'll keep him on the go for a little while. He enjoyed the ground and relished the hill. He's a nice horse for the future."

(Quotes by Michael Graham)

About Gary Carson
Gary started out as a trainee/assistant journalist with the Sporting Life newspaper and has worked in the racing industry for over 25 years. He has been with the Press Association since 2013 and won the Irish Field Nap Table in 2016. He enjoys working with horses and trained his own horse, Mamaslittlestar, to win a point-to-point in 2019.