Night Sparkles again for O'Callaghan

Night Sparkle scored back on the level for Michael O'Callaghan when running out a cosy winner of the La Bucca Restaurants Handicap at Fairyhouse.

The Postponed filly had scored over hurdles at Punchestown on her last outing and was making her first start on the Flat since joining O'Callaghan over the winter.

Dylan Browne McMonagle kicked for home on the 11/4 favourite turning for home and she soon settled matters in the one-mile-five contest.

She stayed on strongly in the closing stages to post a cosy four-and-a-quarter length win over Vera Verto

“It's a long time since she ran on the Flat, for Simon Crisford, last year. We bought her over the winter, with a couple of lads, to have a bit of fun with and make a dual purpose mare out of,” said O'Callaghan.

“She's won her maiden hurdle and that bit of hurdling has hardened and toughened her up. She has come in her coat in the last three of four weeks and she looks well.

“We'll have plenty of fun with her. Dylan said she felt sharp enough to come back to a mile-and-a-half or you can go as far as you want as she stays all day.”

When it was put to him that she wasn't the usual type of horse he buys he added:- “If they have ability all you do is get them fit, there is no magic to it. She has a bit of ability and she's improving.

“An improving mare can be a nice thing to have. We'll see what the handicapper does and she could be one, depending on the ground, for a Cesarewitch.”