Flemenstar simply outstanding G1 winner
Flemensfirth’s son Flemenstar (7g Flemensfirth-Different Dee, by Beau Sher) confirmed himself one of the most exciting novice chasers of recent years when running away with the G1 Powers Gold Cup at Fairyhouse on Sunday.
Peter Casey’s charge was winning his fifth consecutive start over fences as, stepping out of novice company, he justified 11/10 favouritism when storming 11 lengths clear of the classy Rathlin.
Excited racegoers at Fairyhouse threw their hats in the air and the performance impressed all who saw it, with bookmakers Ladbrokes now making the seven-year-old 8/1 second-favourite for next year’s Cheltenham Gold Cup.
"It is unbelievable," a jubilant Casey told www.racing post.com. "I am delighted. I can not believe it. I just cannot believe that the horse is that good He is very good, I am delighted with him. I was over two or three times this week looking at the ground but the ground makes no difference to him."
Speaking to www.irishracing.com, he added: "He’ll go home now and go out to grass. It’s unreal for a little man like me to have a horse like that. My son Francis said this morning that he would destroy them and he was right. We’ll look to Cheltenham next year."
Owner Stephen Curran added: "We are lucky to have him. It’s great to have a nice horse."
Flemenstar, who was bred by Donal Barnwell, was bought for 40,000 euros as a yearling by Curran. His eight-year-old full-brother Barafundle was a smart hurdler with Jennie Candlish.