O'Sullivan rides out claim on Hardwired

Michael O’Sullivan rode out his claim as Hardwired opened his account at the 22nd attempt in the Kilbeggan Irish Whiskey Maiden Hurdle. Aeros Luck set a decent pace in this 2m3f event and, with 13/8 favourite Hamartia a faller at halfway, looked set to score despite some indifferent jumping.

The front-runner was again far from fluent at the final flight and Hardwired, friendless in the market at 22/1 and only third over the last, finished strongly to eventually score by two and three-quarter lengths.

O’Sullivan said, “He’s a contrary old horse. There is plenty of ability there but it’s just getting it out of him is the thing.

“They went plenty quick early and I kept him out wide on a bit of nicer ground. The horse falling in front of me actually sparked a bit of life into him.

“I was pulling and squeezing him to try and get him travelling. It was probably a weak enough contest but he deserved to get his day in front.

“That’s my first ride for Ted and great to ride a winner for him.”

On riding out his claim O'Sullivan added, “I suppose once you get down to the 3lb you just want to get rid of it.

“I was injured from Punchestown and missed the first month of the season but since I’ve come back things have gone well.

“My agent Ken Whelan is doing a great job and it’s brilliant to lose it.

“I’m been very lucky to come across some good horses early on in my professional career. It means a lot and it really stands to you as well.

“The hard work starts now that my claim is gone but hopefully those big winners will stand to me and people will still put me up without the claim.”