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Irish Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Sport
- Irish Daily Mirror
Emotional scenes in Galway as brother of tragic jockey Michael O'Sullivan wins
Filey Bay justified market support in recording an emotional victory in the Connacht Hotel (Q.R.) Handicap at Galway. The feature event on the first evening of the week-long festival at Ballybrit is restricted to amateur riders and it was Alan O'Sullivan – brother of the late Michael O'Sullivan, who tragically died in February following injuries suffered in a fall at Thurles – who shone in the saddle. O'Sullivan had to weave a path to get a run on the JP McManus-owned gelding and when he did he fairly shot clear aboard Emmet Mullins' 7-1 chance, with the winning jockey looking to the skies as he passed the line four and three-quarter lengths ahead of Mon Coeur. 'It's unbelievable, my goal at the start of the year was to be good enough that someone might want me for this. He was looking down on me, I think,' said O'Sullivan. 'When I wanted the gaps, they came for me, I got a dream run. I probably went the brave man's route, but I thought it's what Mikey would have done. I had loads of horse, if I got any gap at all I had the horse to take it. 'I got a dream run and he galloped all the way to the line.' Mullins said: '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.'
Irish Examiner
a day ago
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
Filey Bay and Alan O'Sullivan star at Galway on opening evening
Filey Bay justified market support in recording an emotional victory in the Connacht Hotel (Q.R.) Handicap at Galway. The feature event on the first evening of the week-long festival at Ballybrit is restricted to amateur riders and it was Alan O'Sullivan - brother of the late Michael O'Sullivan, who tragically died in February following injuries suffered in a fall at Thurles - who shone in the saddle. O'Sullivan had to weave a path to get a run on the JP McManus-owned gelding and when he did he fairly shot clear aboard Emmet Mullins' 7-1 chance, with the winning jockey looking to the skies as he passed the line four and three-quarter lengths ahead of Mon Coeur.
Irish Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Sport
- Irish Daily Mirror
Galway Races Monday tips: Robbie Power's selections for day 1 at Ballybrit
is fancied to land the big one on the opening evening at Galway - one of the great racing weeks of the year. This seven-year-old was a very good winner at Killarney the last time, Andrew Slattery's horses are in flying form and I'd say the Connacht Hotel (Q.R.) Handicap (6.40) has been the plan for a while. He won well last time out when beating Mont St Michel by two and a half lengths and was second to previous Cheltenham Festival bumper winner A Dream To Share the time before that. He sets a high standard of form, I think this stiff track will suit him and he is my selection for what is always a very competitive race. Meanwhile, it's very interesting that Willie Mullins pitches Davy Crockett straight into a novice hurdle instead of going for a maiden hurdle. He was a very impressive winner of a bumper in Punchestown back in June and he should take plenty of beating in today's opener, the Galway Bay Hotel & The Galmont Hotel Novice at 5.10. But Eternal Echo for Gordon Elliott and Jack Kennedy sets a decent standard. He was a good winner at Cork the last time on his first start over hurdles. It looks like a race between those two, but preference is for Davy Crockett, with Mark Walsh onboard in the JP McManus colours. Willie Mullins and jockey Mark Walsh (Image: ©INPHO/Morgan Treacy) Willie Mullins is also responsible for the favourite in the second race, the Iggy Daly Easyfix Handicap Hurdle at 5.40, with Rakki, but his form leaves a bit to be desired. However, it is interesting that Paul Townend takes the ride. It's not usual that Paul would take a ride in a 0-110 handicap hurdle, so you'd have to take huge note of that. He's obviously showing good signs at home. But the top weight in this, Tell Us This for Gavin Cromwell, is interesting, with jockey Eoin Staples claiming a valuable seven pounds. He was a good winner 14 days ago at Downpatrick and sets a decent standard. A seven-furlong maiden comes next at 6.10 and Constitution River looks like he'll be very hard to beat for Aidan O'Brien and Wayne Lordan. It was a very good run when he finished second on his debut at Newmarket earlier this month. He handled the undulations of Newmarket quite well so I can't see Galway posing a problem. But I would be keeping an eye out for any market moves for Dermot Weld's Masaban, who Chris Hayes partners on his debut. Andrew Slattery looks to have another good chance in the Clayton Hotel Galway Handicap at 7.15 with Highbury See See, who won at Gowran Park last month. Andrew Slattery (Image: ©INPHO/Morgan Treacy) Joseph O'Brien holds a strong hand in the GRA Chocolates Handicap at 7.50 with Bear Creek and Starford, but Bear Creek looks to be the one with Dylan Browne McMonagle taking the ride after partnering him to victory at Down Royal 10 days ago. And I'm going to side with Faith Of Empires in the final race of the day, the Monami Construction INH Flat Race at 8.20. Emmet Mullins and the Fee colours are very dangerous connections at this meeting and they run this son of Authorised in his debut here. He was a non-runner back at the Punchestown Festival when he didn't get in a reserve and I'd say this race has been the goal ever since. Tip of the day - Royal Hollow 6.40
