Racing

Flight Risk claims second Group Three success in Ballycorus Stakes

Halford to run three at Royal Ascot with Irishcorrespondent heading his team

Jim Bolger says of Ballycorus Stakes winner Flight Risk: “We always knew there was a big performance in this horse.” Photograph: Ryan Byrne/Inpho.

Thu Jun 15 2017 - 20:52

Flight Risk finished with a flourish to claim a second Group Three success in the Oliver Brady Memorial Shabra Charity Ballycorus Stakes at Leopardstown.

Trained by Jim Bolger, Flight Risk had not got his head in front since landing the Gladness Stakes back in 2015, but he returned to winning form in style under Kevin Manning.

The 12-1 shot was settled at the back of the field but he got a dream run along the rails in the straight, striding two and a half lengths clear of Richard Fahey’s raider Don’t Touch.

Bolger said: “We always knew there was a big performance in this horse and there is probably better to come on days when everything goes right for him.

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“That’s the first time he’s run well on that good ground and maybe he’s hardening up. I’d say he could go a mile and he’s even run well over six.”

Michael Halford expects to have three runners at Royal Ascot next week with Irishcorrespondent heading his team.

While the colt lost his unbeaten record in the Irish 2,000 Guineas when third behind Churchill and Thunder Snow on rain-softened ground, Halford retains faith in his charge.

Irishcorrespondent is stepping up in trip for the Hampton Court Stakes while Halford will also run the juvenile Yulong Warrior and Godolphin’s Moritzburg at the Royal meeting.

“Our three Royal Ascot horses worked at the Curragh yesterday and they all worked well,” said the trainer told www.michaelhalford.com.

“I have been very pleased with Irishcorrespondent since he ran in the Irish 2,000 Guineas and he went very well yesterday. It was a good, strong piece of work and he is very much on course for the Hampton Court on Thursday.”

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