O'Neill shines on Sutton

The consistent Sutton Manor gained his second win over timber when defying top-weight in the Littleton Handicap Hurdle at Thurles.

Lisa O'Neill sent the 9/2 shot up to dispute before the fourth last and he asserted over the penultimate flight.

The Gordon Elliott-trained Gigginstown gelding kept on strongly in the closing stages to beat Hollow Tree by four lengths.

The winner had opened his account at Wexford in November and has been in the money in three handicap hurdles since.

"He was entitled to win on his recent form and Lisa gave him a great ride - she's a small thing but is a great bit of stuff. She does everything in the yard and is a great worker,” said Elliott.

"He could run in the Pertemps if he gets in off a low weight, otherwise he'll go for something at home. He'll go chasing in the autumn."

(Quotes by Thomas Weekes)