Omega Springs (nearside) and Sean Flanagan on the way to landing the 2m handicap hurdle© Photo Healy Racing
The Dining Packages @ www.gowranpark.ie Handicap Hurdle had a wide-open look to it beforehand, and so it proved with 16/1 shot Omega Springs opening his account.
The eight-year-old gelding was without a win in 13 previous starts but put that right here in the hands of Sean Flanagan.
Owned, trained and bred by Clonmel-based Liam Casey, the son of Great Exhibition had shown some promise when placed a couple of times about 12 months ago.
Casey’s charge was patiently-ridden by Flanagan and, after making good headway before the penultimate flight, stayed on well on the run-in to lead close home. Summer Storm was half a length back in second, with Artists Daughter another two lengths away in third and Silverpockets completing the places in fourth.
Flanagan said, “The strong gallop was really key for him. He relaxed and stayed on well from the last.”
