G3 success for Zuzka continues great run for Flemensfirth

Zuzka (5m Flemensfirth-Downtown Train, by Glacial Storm) comfortably landed the G3 ITBA Fillies Scheme EBF Novices’ Hurdle at Leopardstown on Saturday to continue an excellent run for Flemensfirth. The progressive Willie Mullins-trained mare, who was bred by Ken Parkhill, came home six and a half lengths clear of her 10 rivals in the two-and-a-half mile success. The victory enabled Mullins’ son Patrick to break the record for the most wins ridden by an amateur in a calendar year. “Paul Townend got off her the last day and he said that she wanted the extra trip. She is improving all the time,” said the winning trainer. Zuzka was winning a day after Flemensfirth’s son Tidal Bay (11g Flemensfirth-June’s Bride, by Le Moss) won the G1 Lexus Chase and Tangled Web (4g Flemensfirth-Zafilly, by Zafonic) was an impressive bumper winner. Also on Saturday, the Henry de Bromhead-trained Sizing Gold (5g Flemensfirth-Mandys Gold, by Mandalus) looked a bright prospect for Flemensfirth when winning a maiden hurdle in good style. The Martin Fleming-bred five-year-old is viewed as an exciting chasing prospect by his trainer. “He is a massive hose and is a real stayer and one to look forward to over fences. I would imagine he will go for a novice over 2m 4f plus now and I wouldn’t be rushing to run him on fast ground,” said de Bromhead.