Son Of Flemensfirth Lands Ulster National

Space Cadet (10g Flemensfirth – Shuil A Hocht, by Mohaajir) continued to show a revived run this season when taking Sunday’s feature at Downpatrick, the Ulster National.

Trained by Gearoid O’Loughlin for Chris Jones, the bay won two point-to-points at the start of the season, before taking fourth in the Troytown Chase and was last seen finishing fifth in the Leinster National. Ben Harvey rode him in mid-division, improving into third with four fences left to jump and was driven from after the second last. Leading after the final fence, he stayed on well to win by two lengths, with another 14 lengths back to the third horse.

Speaking after the race, a delighted Gearoid O’Loughlin said, “I'm delighted for the horse. He deserved to win a big one. Whether we supplement for the Irish Grand National or something like that, I'm not sure.”

Bought as a store by Mags O’Toole for €100,000, Space Cadet was bred by Kenilworth House Stud. The son of Flemensfirth is a half-brother to Listed winner Gallant John Joe, bred out of a winning half-sister to Grade 2 winning chaser The Outlier.