Poignant winner for Ethan O'Sullivan Sent off the 9/2 favourite, Live To Laugh gained a first success in the Duggan Veterinary Supplies Handicap Steeplechase at Thurles. Ridden by 7lb claimer Ethan O'Sullivan, the Califet gelding tracked the leaders and travelled and jumped well throughout. After hitting the front between the final two fences, he went away to post a 13-length victory over Lake Chad. Placed five times before this breakthrough win, the seven-year-old is owned in partnership by Jimmy Whittle, Michael McEvoy, Anthony Callan and the Good For A Laugh Syndicate. It was O'Sullivan's fifth winner and his first since September 2024. "Ethan gave him a great ride but unfortunately his grandad died yesterday, so it will give his family a lift," said winning trainer Peter Fahey. "He wanted to ride today and this is his first winner for me, which is great. "Ethan started off with me as a Flat apprentice, moved home to Waterford and is now back with me for the past couple of weeks. "Live To Laugh has been very consistent and is knocking on the door the whole time. I thought his first run over fences was good and he was then unlucky when a horse jumped across him here in January (causing him to fall). "I think they will have good fun with him, I don't think he is ground-dependent or anything, so I hope he will win a few races. He is owned by a good bunch of lads from all everywhere and anywhere." Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
