'It was meant to be' - Magic win for O'Sullivan in Galway feature

Alan O'Sullivan poignantly looked to the sky after partnering Filey Bay to a famous win in the Connacht Hotel (Q.R) Handicap.

Just months after losing his brother Michael to a tragic accident at Thurles in February, the talented young amateur enjoyed his finest moment to date.

Coming in for strong late support, the Emmet Mullins-trained victor went off a 7/1 chance (from 20s early) in the colours of JP McManus.

Towards rear on the inner and meeting with some trouble in running, the Fame And Glory nine-year-old got the desired gaps approaching the straight and quickly moved his way into contention.

Sweeping through to lead with a furlong to go, the 84-rated bay was soon ridden and extended his advantage in the closing stages, ultimately coming home four-and-three-quarters of a length to the good.

From 25s early, Mon Coeur (12/1) came through to take second under David Doyle, while Ragmans Corner (25/1) and Dawn Rising (18/1) were half-a-length and a short head away in third and fourth respectively.

Sent off the 7/2 favourite, Too Bossy For Us raced towards rear and never got involved, eventually finishing twelfth.

"It's unbelievable to win it," O'Sullivan enthused.

"First of all sympathies to the O'Grady family. I never had the privilege of riding for Mr O'Grady, but he was a great trainer and done a lot of good in this sport. He'll be sorely missed.

"I was riding for a good man and I'm incredibly grateful to Mr McManus and to Mr Berry, but especially to Emmet. He put his neck on the line to have me on this horse. I'm not one of Mr McManus's riders and it's my first time riding in these colours.

"I've been in with Emmet the last month or so. I've sat on this fella a couple of times and just fell in love with the horse. If anyone else said it I'd roll my eyes, but there was something special about him the minute I sat on him. To win it is just crazy.

"I kind of half missed the break but it kind of helped me. I got stopped a couple of times but at the same time it probably helped me as well. He is a horse that can be quite keen, but he settled like a dream today.

"I got the gaps up the inner, I got the lucky gaps and I don't think that's a coincidence to be honest.

"He (Michael) is looking down on me since the day he left us. It feels wrong to say it but I just have so much confidence now knowing that he is looking down on me and to do this for him, I think he'd be proud."

Mullins added: "It was meant to be and I'm a bit lost for words. It's just magic.

"It was Michael's saddle that Alan was using today. Michael rode a few times for me here and I think we hit the crossbar twice, so Alan steadied the ship.

"It's been a long enough road with the horse. We had him last season and I sent him home twice as I just wasn't happy. Thankfully with JP the patience has paid off.

"Alan was keen to ride him, and I was keen to claim off him as well. For 7lb claimers you don't need to look any further than Alan."

STEWARDS REPORTS

Mr A.P. Ryan, rider of Royal Hollow trained by Andrew Slattery, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount was stopped in running twice coming up the hill.

The Raceday Stewards enquired into an incident approaching the home bend on the first circuit involving Comfort Zone ridden by Mr D. O'Connor, unplaced, Familiar Dreams (GB), ridden by Mr J.H. Williamson, unplaced, and Mon Coeur, ridden by Mr D. Doyle, placed second, where it appeared Familiar Dreams ran short of room and had to check. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Mr. D. O'Connor stated that he was to blame for the incident and accepted full responsibility. Mr. J. H. Williamson stated that he received pressure from the outside and eventually had to take back. Mr. D. Doyle stated that he received pressure from his outside and rode up to hold his position. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards found Mr. D. O'Connor was in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden carelessly, and having considered his record in this regard (first offence) the Raceday Stewards suspended Mr. D. O'Connor for two racedays.

Mr K.P. Healy, rider of Wahraan (FR), trained by Jessica Bedi (in GB), reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount hung left in the closing stages.

The Raceday Stewards enquired into an incident in the closing stages of this race involving Comfort Zone, ridden by Mr D. O'Connor, unplaced, Riviera Queen ridden by Mr B. O'Neill, unplaced, God Of Thunder ridden by Mr J.M. Halford, unplaced, and Ragmans Corner, ridden by Mr D.G. Lavery, placed third, where it appeared several horses got tight for room. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Mr. D. O'Connor stated that it was general bunching and no rider was at fault. Mr. B. O'Neill stated that his race was run and he was dropping back through the field. Mr. J. M. Halford stated that was trying to maintain his racing line. Mr. D. G. lavery stated that things got tight but he maintained his line. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards did not apportion blame to any rider and took no further action.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee