Lakefield Flyer wins again at Downpatrick for the Hanlons The Downpatrick Racecourse Family Funday Supporters Handicap Chase proved a real family affair for the Hanlon’s as Lakefield Flyer put in an exhibition of jumping before just coming out on top in a thrilling finish. The seven-year-old gelding, who landed a beginners chase on his only previous visit to this venue in 2023, jumped superbly in front but was strongly pressed by Wajaaha on the final uphill climb to the line. The pair were neck and neck for much of the final furlong, but Paddy Hanlon’s mount just found a bit extra in the final strides to score by half a length. Lakota Blue was eight lengths back in third. The 4/1 winner is trained by Hanlon’s father ‘Shark’ and is owned and bred by his mother Rachel. Paddy Hanlon said, "He was very good. He can be keen at times, so we said we would make it with him. Fair play to dad, he had him ready first time back in eight or nine months. "Dad had him primed for today. He was in good form, he battled back and he was tough. Two good jumps at the second last and the last. "Hopefully, he will keep going through the summer now, he's a summer horse. He's a horse we will have a bit of fun with hopefully during the summer. "I think he did (Wajaaha headed him up the hill) with 100 yards to go. He came back to be fair to him. "He's a tough horse and we've always liked him. He loves this place and won his beginners' over course and distance." Quotes by Michael Graham
