Flying Finegan scores on Cheltenham runner-up Thecompanysergeant Cheltenham festival-runner-up Thecompanysergeant (4/11f) resumed winning ways in Clonmel’s Bulmers Strawberry & Lime Hurdle for trainer Gavin Cromwell, owner John Brennan and in-form rider Eoghan Finegan. Runner-up in Cheltenham’s ‘Plate’ Handicap Chase in 2025, Thecompanysergeant had returned to form with a runner-up effort over hurdles at Ballinrobe 11 days ago. Today he contested a four-runner race, having benefitted from the withdrawals of leading contenders Farren Glory and King Of Kingsfield, and made almost all to eventually shake off the persistent challenge of Crohan Lady by three-parts of a length. Seven-pounds claimer Finegan, with a fifth success already this season, reported “I wanted to go a good even gallop, as my horse had fitness on my side, to take the others out of their comfort zones but I didn’t expect them to still be there turning in. Once the runner-up came to him, he pulled away again and was a good winner at the line. “He probably needs a lead really, but was the class horse in the race. He will get confidence from this, so hopefully he can build on it and win again. Races like this suit him as he doesn’t have hustle and bustle and Gavin will pick out another plan with him now.”
