Graded Ascot Double For Flemensfirth
Magic Of Light (8m Flemensfirth - Quest Of Passion, by Saumarez) completed the first leg of a Graded double for Flemensfirth when taking the Grade 2 OLBG.com Mares’ Hurdle at Ascot on Saturday.
The Jessica Harrington-trained mare was sent off favourite for her wide-margin victory in a Listed chase last time out and was once again ridden by Robbie Power. Racing keenly behind the leader, the bay moved upsides at the third last and led soon after, staying on strongly on the flat to beat Jester Jet by three and a quarter lengths.
On future plans, Kate Harrington later revealed, “She is in at Huntingdon on Friday [Pertemps Lady Protectress Mares' Chase] and will stay over to run in that. She does look to have improved a serious amount this year, possibly having grown into herself. She will have the Irish National entry as she stays all day and never knows when to give up.”
Bred by Baronrath and Colbinstown Studs, Magic Of Light (pictured) is owned by Ann and Alan Potts Limited.
The following race, the Grade 3 Holloway’s Handicap Hurdle, saw Ballymoy (6g Flemensfirth - John’s Eliza, by Dr Massini) defy top weight to continue his upward curve. Reunited with Tom Bellamy, he raced prominently and led from the third last, staying on from the final hurdle to deny Colonial Dreams (Westerner) by a length and three quarters.
Anthony Bromley, representative for owners Simon Munir and Isaac Souede, later commented, “He doesn't have any flashy targets for Cheltenham but the National Spirit at Fontwell is what I was thinking and it might be that he goes there and then we keep him fresh for Aintree. His future is over further and over fences next year.”
Having begun his career with Ian Ferguson, Ballymoy was bought by current trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies for £75,000 at the Goffs UK Spring Sale. Bred by Emlyn Patterson, his Soldier Of Fortune half-brother sold as a foal for €28,000 at last month’s Goffs December NH Sale.
Young at heart at the age of 27, Flemensfirth will stand the 2019 season at €15,000 at the Beeches Stud.