O'Sullivan gets perfect early birthday present

Trainer Ross O'Sullivan recorded his first racecourse success, just three days short of his 30th birthday, as his horse He's Our Man just got the better of Spot Fine to win the June 16th & 22nd Twilight Racing Maiden Hurdle.

Ridden by Andrew McNamara the 7yo son of Statue Of Liberty raced prominently throughout and hit the front at the third last where he was soon joined by 4/1 shot and eventual runner-up Spot Fine.

He got away from the second last quicker than the runner-up and stayed on best under pressure to score by a head holding off the late renewed challenge of the Mouse Morris trained second placed horse who was ridden by Barry Geraghty. Flying Light for John Queally and Brian Hayes finished a further four lengths back in third at 4/1.

The winner had just one win to his name before today, that coming in a bumper at Naas in October of 2010 when he was trained by Oliver Brady and ridden by his now trainer Ross O'Sullivan.

On his twelfth start over hurdles and just his second for O'Sullivan the winner was well supported and having opened at 4/1 this morning and at 7/2 on track he was returned the 11/4 favourite.

Winning trainer Ross O'Sullivan said afterwards: "That's my first track winner but I’ve had five point-to-point wins.

"It’s great to win and I won a bumper on him. He has been consistent and will probably go for a good handicap hurdle at Killarney now.

"He will be kept on the go for the summer now and will go chasing in time. The owners are Pat & Anne Kangley from Kells in Co Meath.”

Donal Murphy & Thomas Weekes