Super Citizen and Michael O'Sullivan (right) win from Optical Confusion© Photo Healy Racing
Only five of the fourteen that set out in the John Thomas McNamara (QR) Handicap Chase completed the course in an incident-packed race.
Racing to the final fence three were in line but Diggin Deep blundered and unseated rider and on the run-in it was Super Citizen (66/1 into 22/1 in the show) who pulled away to defeat Optical Confusion (4/1) by three and three quarter lengths with Rock On Barney (5/1) a distant third.
The winning 7-year-old is a four-time winner in point-to-points and has some fair placed efforts in hunter chases to his name as well. It was his first start in handicap company.
It was a family success for winning trainer Eugene O’Sullivan whose nephew Michael was on board in the colours of the trainer’s wife Alurie.
“On his hunter chase form on good ground he had a great chance,” said winning trainer Eugene O'Sullivan.
“It was disappointing at Thurles. Frustration led us to run there on ground that didn't really suit him.
“He's a lovely horse. He was in the Foxhunters but because of the situation with the amateurs we didn't go there, Michael was going to ride him.
“We'll keep him going while the ground is good and might look for something at Punchestown or maybe Fairyhouse.
“This is his ground. I thought he was harshly treated by the handicapper but obviously he wasn't.”
Quotes from Gary Carson
