John Quinn maps out future options for Countrywide Flame
Trainer, John Quinn has decided to give Countrywide Flame another race ahead of the Stan James Champion Hurdle, to be held at the Cheltenham Festival in March. The 5-year-old was 6-4 favourite, when failed terribly in the Williamhill.com Christmas Hurdle
on the Boxing Day.
In the hands of Denis O'Regan, Countrywide Flame was not always fluent. He led briefly before the last two hurdles, but was soon outpaced by the winner, Darlan. Staying on one pace hurt his cause badly, and he lost the second place in the dying moments,
finishing fourth on the table.
Despite an embarrassing loss at Kempton, Quinn has not lost even a bit of his faith in the Michael Clarke-bred horse. Kempton’s clash was an exhausting journey, but the handler is pleased with the way Countrywide Flame has come out.
The Estio Pinnacle Racing-owned, who won last season’s JCB Triumph Hurdle, is seeking another mega win at Cheltenham, and Quinn wants him to go for the big battle with full preparations. The trainer has confirmed that he will consider possible options ahead
of heading to Prestbury Park.
"On the day there were no excuses and there will be another day when there's a bit of pace on and things like that, but the main thing is the horse is fine," said Quinn.
"All being well, he'll run before Cheltenham. I haven't really thought about it yet, but there's the Morebattle at Kelso and I'll enter him in the Irish Champion Hurdle.”
"There's the Kingwell at Wincanton, but I'm not sure about that track for him. There are only probably only two or three places he can run, but if we're happy with him he'll definitely run before Cheltenham."
Quinn is also aiming big with Kashmir Peak. By taking the top prize respectively at Market Rasen and Doncaster, the 4-year-old made his presence felt, presenting himself as one of the strongest contenders for this spring’s Triumph Hurdle.
The trainer is also looking to give the son of Tiger Hill one more race prior to the juvenile championship. He described that the Mohammad Al Qatami-bred is in fine form, and might go to Musselburgh for the Trial race.
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