Poetic is G1 hero for Flemensfirth

Ultra-tough Poetic Rhythm (6g Flemensfirth-Summer Sonnet, by Taipan) became the latest top-grade winner for Flemensfirth when winning the G1 Challow Novices’ Hurdle at Newbury on Saturday.

It was also a first G1 win for trainer Fergal O’Brien as the well-backed 15/8 favourite Poetic Rhythm held off the rallying Mulcahys Hill to claim Saturday’s feature event.

Poetic Rhythm came with a good run to challenge at the last, led on the run-in and battled strongly close home to hold on. The pair finished clear in the extended two and a half mile race.

"That means the world - it is brilliant for everybody,” said O’Brien. “Three weeks ago Poetic Rhythm was at the vets with a bit of colic, but if you want to pick one horse out to go to war with he is your boy. He never ever lets us down, he is so tough, though we have let him down a couple of time by putting him in the wrong races.

"It is a fantastic win - it was two good horses fighting out the finish. I couldn't watch from the last hurdle. The ground did not help today and we will be aiming him at the G1 Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival in March.

"He won't run again in between. We will freshen him and give him a nice break.”

Poetic Rhythm, also a point-to-point and Listed bumper winner, was bred in Ireland by Vincent Finn.

Flemensfirth was also repsonsible for Haydock’s feature winner on Saturday when Emperor’s Choice (10g Flemensfirth-House-Of-Hearts, by Broken Hearted) won the Last Fling Chase for trainer Venetia Williams.