Sunnyhill Lad popped up at odds of 33/1 for Denis Hogan and Killian Leonard in the Cliona Hagan Plays Live At Limerick Racecourse July 26th Handicap.

On outing number five and on his debut in the handicap sphere, the Casamento gelding had to be tough to land this extended mile three event. Remmy D and favourite For Pleasure gave their connections and supporters cause for hope through the closing stages but Sunnyhill Lad eventually got it done by half a length and the same.

Backed from 7/1 into 4/1 the front-running Roses Queen eventually faded to be two and three parts of a length back in fourth.

"Last year I was only feeling my way with two years olds and thought he was a two year old but Pat Smullen rode him one day at Leopardstown and said he's far from a two year old and to put him away. He has come back a much stronger horse," revealed Hogan.

"But to be honest I wasn't expecting that as we weren't sure about the trip. He ran an ok race at Cork the last day on that type of ground but we weren't certain about the trip and it is hard to go into a first handicap and be confident.

"Killian (Leonard) said the further he went, the stronger he was getting and he flowed into it lovely. It's surprising but we're happy and the handicapper can't be too hard on him. We'll keep him to 1m2f-1m4f and go for another handicap and he could be a lovely horse for us down the line."

Regarding his recent record-breaking 33 lengths mile Flat winner Allegio, he added: "I thought 10lbs (instead of his 13lbs hike from the handicapper) would have done but it will be interesting to see what happens the next day. 

"We're still trying to draw up a plan for him but it's hard because he is now rated 101. We'll probably look at a Listed race. He could run in a big handicap but they aren't until late or mid-summer and a lot of the Group 3 races are already closed."

The Stewards interviewed D. O'Brien, rider of Remmy D, concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race.

Evidence was heard from the rider concerned.

Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that D. O'Brien was in breach of Regulation 10.3 (f), in that he used his whip with excessive frequency.

Having considered his clean record in this regard, the Stewards cautioned D. O'Brien.

(TW & EM)