By Dan Walsh
Clonroche jockey Sean Flanagan rocked up a quick double at Down Royal yesterday, packed his bags for Leopardstown today, and kicked home his third winner at the Christmas racing festival in two days.
Flanagan was seen at his strongest when bringing Enniskerry (9/1) across the line in first place by ‘a head’ for trainer Barry Connell in the 20-runner handicap hurdle.
Another Wexford jockey in winning form was JJ Slevin from Caim who made all the running and enjoyed a three and three-parts of a length victory on Solness (28/1) for his cousin Joseph O’Brien in the Grade 1 chase.
“Whether he is as good as the bare form here remains to be seen but we’ll enjoy today anyway,” O’Brien said after securing the €73,750 winner’s pot. “It was a special ride from JJ. We said we’d go wide and get the best of the ground. He got into a great rhythm and jumped fantastic. I’m really delighted for all the Bronsan Racing lads [owners] and for JJ to have a big winner here because he missed out on Banbridge (winner of the King George V (grade 1) Chase at Kempton Park yesterday. I’m thrilled for him.”
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