Cheltenham G2 star for Flemensfirth

Coolanly (6g Flemensfirth-La Fisarmonica, by Accordion) confirmed himself an exciting prospect at Cheltenham on Friday when winning the G2 Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle with ease.

Ridden by Paddy Brennan, the Flemensfirth six-year-old travelled smoothly throughout the two mile and five-furlong event and found plenty for pressure in the closing stages to score by three and a quarter-lengths from 9/4 favourite Pym.

Winning trainer Fergal O'Brien said: "I think Coolanly is probably a horse for the G1 Ballymore Novices' Hurdle at The Festival. That was far enough for him today and he has had a hard race.

"He was a bit sore after he came back from the Persian War, so I have to give credit to everyone at home for getting him back here today. We will enjoy today and we might go for the G1 Challow Hurdle because he won't have a penalty."

Bred in Ireland by Caroline Coonan, Coolanly is also an Irish point-to-point and bumper winner.