L'yser and Michael O Sullivan win the Bar One Racing Price Boosts Everyday Easter Handicap Hurdle© Photo Healy Racing
Local jockey Michael O'Sullivan had an afternoon to remember when L'yser completed the final leg of a treble when landing the Grade B Bar One Racing Price Boosts Everyday Easter Handicap Hurdle at Cork.
Successful earlier on the card with the Willie Mullins trained duo Mister Policeman and Aione O'Sullivan was riding for his boss Barry Connell on this occasion. It was his first time to ride a treble under rules although he had done so previously in point-to-points.
The six-year-old gelding was winning for the third time over hurdles, having added to his Fairyhouse maiden win when successful in handicap company at that same track last time.
Travelling easily entering the straight, the son of Martaline was slightly untidy at the final two flights, so, if anything, this run can be upgraded. The win was continuing a fine season for both owner and trainer who combined for Cheltenham success last month.
Trainer Barry Connell said: "the danger (Spillane's Tower) went at the second which simplified the matter and other than the two of those, the others looked fairly exposed. Our lad ran the last day beat a well-handicapped horse at Fairyhouse and the two pulled well clear so we were expecting him to come and win today.
"The ground is perfect for him and it opens up options. I'm tempted to go chasing straightaway with him and we might keep him on the go during the summer. We'll look to the likes of Roscommon and Galway where there is an ease during the summer.
"He is a big horse who might have more respect for a fence."
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
