Trainer Peter Casey has confirmed Flemenstar will not be returning to his County Meath yard this season. The eight-year-old struck eight times in 12 starts for Casey and enjoyed a meteoric rise during the 2011-12 season. He won two Grade One events before adding to his haul at the highest level when claiming the John Durkan Chase last December. However, he suffered a couple of surprise reverses when only third in the Lexus Chase and second in the Irish Hennessy earlier this year and signed off for Casey with a well-beaten third behind Sprinter Sacre in the Melling Chase at Aintree in April. Casey said: "He's not coming back. It is disappointing news."
Going to Tony Martin, so we might even see Ruby riding him? To watch him jumping a fence is a thing of beauty .............. really hope he can stay sound and thrill us again with that sensational jumping. I'd really like to see him have another crack at Sprinter Sacre over 20 furlongs, he clearly wasn't at his best at Aintree.
I know you had a bit of a ap bet on him for the Gold Cup last year Oddy, but do you think they will revise that strategy for this year...? After stepping up in trip and failing, i say that as no disrespect to Tidal Bay, but that was no race to judge Flemenstar off now was it. And then again coming 2nd to SDeChamps, they might wonder as to which trip might suit... We now know about the illness but it would be interesting to see where they want him come Cheltenham maybe...??? Do we think that he could be made up to challenge Bobs Worth...?
Not sure red - I think Casey was planning the same route as last season, but obviously Tony Martin will have his own view on the horse's best programme. In terms of the Gold Cup, Bobs Worth looks very solid to me, he just stays and stays and stays and Geraghty knows exactly how to ride him and when to get him stoked up. I'd like to see them aim Flemenstar at the King George - less likely to be a bog than Leopardstown and I think trip and track and tempo of the race will really suit him.
I dont think its his jumping that will stop him getting a chance at the big races, it will be getting the right trip that will be the key... Just another sub-plot to what already looks an interesting NH season...
Kinda feel bad for old man casey but suppose he has his bit of YouTube glory with his horny escapades!
Whilst feeling somewhat bad for old boy Casey I suspect this should improve Flemenstar's career prospects. I always felt my name sake was in the wrong hands and would have been much better served at a Nicholls or Mullins yard. Mind you old boy Hourigan still managed a fair few big race wins for Beef but I genuinely believed more could have been achieved under a superior trainer. The first thing they must decide for Flemenstar is his trip. Clearly the 3 miles looked a couple of furlongs too far last season, can a new trainer make him stay better? I'm not sure they can but I sure as heck look forward to watching the Flemenstar story develop!
