Brion's Freddy Flintshire Claims Lonesome Glory

Great Meadow Course's Condition Leads to Venue Change for International Gold Cup

In an exhilarating display of talent and strategy, Upland Flats Racing's Freddy Flintshire secured his first graded stakes victory in Thursday's Grade 1, $150,000 Lonesome Glory steeplechase at Belmont at the Big A. The race, designed for older horses over a demanding 2 1/2 miles, saw the promising gelding navigate through a competitive field, expertly guided by jockey Stephen Mulqueen.

Trained by the accomplished Keri Brion, the 6-year-old son of Flintshire took advantage of a spirited duel between stablemate Going Country and Evie's Prince. As the race progressed into its final turn, Freddy Flintshire made a bold move, overcoming late pressure from betting favourite L'Imperator to clinch victory by a length.

"We had a great trip – it all went according to plan," said Brion. "Going Country is more of a pace-setter, and Freddy was able to sit comfortably in behind, which really worked to our advantage."

The race began slowly after two false starts, with L'Imperator struggling at the start while Going Country assumed control. The lead exchanged hands multiple times, with Evie's Prince briefly taking over before Hidden Path surged into contention. However, it was Freddy Flintshire's strategic positioning that ultimately set the stage for his impressive finish.

Despite feeling a bit anxious around the final turn, Brion expressed confidence in her horse's capabilities. "Stephen felt good about his position and that he had the best horse under him," she remarked.

Completing the course in a time of 4:45.31, Freddy Flintshire crossed the finish line ahead of L'Imperator, who secured second place with Hidden Path in third. The race concluded with Evie's Prince and Going Country rounding out the field, while Westerland and Welshman were scratched.

With this win, Freddy Flintshire improved his lifetime record to 20-4-4-4, adding $90,000 to his earnings and returning a respectable $10 on a $2 win bet. Brion reflected on their journey, noting the horse’s growth since a disappointing performance in the Grade 1 Beverly R. Steinman earlier in the season.

"We were patient and let him mature," Brion shared. "After some minor issues and poor fitness in the spring, we aimed to train both Freddy and Jimmy P for success in the summer – and now we've achieved that."

While Brion noted that Jimmy P might represent the barn in the Grade 1 Grand National on October 19 at Far Hills, she remains excited about Freddy Flintshire's potential. "He enjoys a flat track more, and we've learned he can handle 2 1/2 miles," she said. "It's a good dilemma to have two Grade 1 winners in the barn."

Venue Change for the International Gold Cup

In a related news development, the National Steeplechase Association (NSA) has revoked the sanction for the upcoming 2024 International Gold Cup, originally scheduled for October 26 at Great Meadow, citing the course's disrepair and safety concerns. As safeguarding the welfare of horses and riders remains a priority, the Virginia Gold Cup Association has acted swiftly to secure a new location for the race at Glenwood Park in Middleburg, Virginia.

This is a crucial decision for maintaining the integrity of the sport, as the NSA has monitored Great Meadow’s conditions closely. The Virginia Gold Cup Association, which leases the racecourse, emphasised that it’s committed to upholding the highest safety standards and ensuring successful race meetings.

With the Lonesome Glory victory behind him and the horizon clear, Freddy Flintshire and his team look forward to potential new challenges ahead in the steeplechasing circuit.