Felix Desjy and Sean Flanagan pictured on their way to victory© Photo Healy Racing
Sean Flanagan stepped in for a winning spare ride on Felix Desjy as he made all in the feature at Punchestown this afternoon, the Grade 2 Sky Bet Moscow Flyer Novice Hurdle.
Davy Russell was scheduled to partner the Gordon Elliott trained chestnut, but he was stood down for the day after a fall in the opening race on card.
Successful on his debut over flights at Galway in October, Felix Desjy had been a bit disappointing since, finishing second on his most recent outing at Limerick.
Available at 5/1 in early shows, the son of Maresca Sorrento opened on-course at just 3s, before going off an 11/4 chance in the colours of Gigginstown House Stud.
Sent straight to the front, and soon in a clear lead, he had all his rivals in trouble from two out, and kept up the gallop when ridden in the straight, going on to prevail by five lengths. Jetez (4/1) was the only one who emerged from the pack, but ultimately he couldn't reel in the winner and had to settle for second under Robbie Power for Jessica Harrington.
The 9/4 favourite Buildmeupbuttercup was a very disappointing fifth, with Paul Townend aboard this one for Willie Mullins.
"He disappointed us a few times but we were dropping him in early on and I'd say it was the wrong way to ride him," said Elliott.
"He likes striding along and jumps well. I thought it was a nice performance and Sean said he galloped the whole way to the line and didn't stop so we're happy.
"I'd say the key to him is letting him stride along. He doesn't have to make the running, it's not essential, but he seems to be able to gallop them into the ground.
"He jumped very well. Keith (Donoghue) said the last day he was kind of backing off the easyfix hurdles and didn't jump great.
"He was very slick there today so we're happy.
"That looks his trip. He was only beaten six or seven lengths in the bumper (at Cheltenham) last year and he's a nice horse. He disappointed a bit early on over hurdles but touch wood he's back on track now.
"He's obviously in at the Dublin Racing Festival and we'll have a look and see what happens there. He'll probably go there and I'd imagine the Supreme Novice is where he'll go now."
STEWARDS REPORT
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Buildmeupbuttercup (GB), trained by W.P. Mullins, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be blowing hard post race.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
