Michael O'Sullivan remembered after poignant Leopardstown win There was a poignant winner of Leopardstown’s concluding O'Driscoll's Irish Whiskey Handicap today as Harbanaker (15/2) brought together many of late jockey Michael O’Sullivan’s friends, when crediting Willie Harvey with a first training success. Eight-year-old Harbanaker’s previous win had come in January 2023 and having slumped to today’s 41-rating, benefitted from a well-judged ride, to provide successful jockey Joey Sheridan with a double on the day. Harvey’s jockey son Ben Harvey reported “Dad took over the licence when my grandad (David) passed away and he has stepped into the role very well. This it huge, as we put this syndicate of lads together after Michael O’Sullivan died. “Michael was our best friend and everyone was in my house one evening when this horse came up for sale, so I said ‘lads we’ll throw in a few quid and it’ll keep us together’. That was the idea - for having days out, but not really expecting to go and win. “It’s a little bit emotional because you’d love if Mick was here with us, it’s all in memory of him and he’s definitely looking down on us. I would have loved if it was me or Alex (Harvey, brother) in the saddle but hopefully this is the first of many for the horse and for Dad.” Fellow jockey Tom Harney was amongst the large group of friends, and added “we had great memories with Mick. There is a great crew of us here and to remember him with a horse that we got for small money. To get a winner here in Leopardstown, it’s the best track in the country, means a lot and he’s looking down on us.” Quotes from Gary Carson
