Flemenstar takes off at the last under Andrew Lynch© Photo Healy Racing
Despite jumping big throughout, Flemenstar put in a satisfactory performance to land the Grade 2 Fortria Chase for the second year running, providing his trainer Tony Martin with a treble on the card (earlier won with the Dedigout and Spacious Sky .
Formerly trained by Peter Casey, the eight-year-old son of Flemensfirth was making his debut for Martin this afternoon, and he was sent off the 1-4 favourite to account for his three rivals.
Settled in second by Andrew Lynch, the bay gelding improved to join the front-running Realt Mor at the third last, and he soon took up the running.
He looked set for a comfortable win before the last, however Days Hotel (13/2) stayed on well under Bryan Cooper to challenge on the run-in, and Flemenstar had to be pushed out to see off the Henry De Bromhead trained gelding by a length and a quarter.
Tony Martin said afterwards: "He was a bit extravagant. His jumping was a bit big. He let fly at a few down the back, but I’m hoping that was freshness.
"We will take our time with him, and I’ll have a chat with Andy and Stevie (the owners).
"He is entered in everything but I will give it two or three weeks and decide where next.
"I'm happy that is out of the way. With a good horse like that you are always nervous. He’ll improve a bit from today, fitness wise, and he was idling a bit in front."
Martin went on to talk about his treble, saying: "That’s great. The Dedigout was very good. We thought a lot of him last year, but he wrenched himself in the big novice at Leopardstown."
Flemenstar remains unchanged with Paddy Power for the Ryanair Chase and the Gold Cup, at 7/1 and 20/1 respectively, while he is also unchanged at 8/1 with Boylesports for the Ryanair.
Additional reporting by Michael Graham
