O'Sullivan shines on Michael

Ethan O'Sullivan gave Marv Michael a fine front-running ride as the Westerner gelding made an impressive start over fences in the beginners chase at Kilbeggan.

The Henry de Bromhead-trained gelding was soon in front in the two-and-a-half mile contest and opened up a healthy lead.

He came back to the field a bit going to the second last but O'Sullivan had kept plenty up his sleeve on the 4/1 shot who asserted again before the last for a seven-length success.

Stable representative Robbie Power said:- “It was a very good performance. He's schooled super at home and he's always been a very good jumper.

“Even in his runs over hurdles we were hoping that chasing would bring a bit of improvement and hopefully that's the case.

“It looked a decent enough beginners chase for the grade. Ethan was brave and gave him a positive ride.

“There looked to be plenty of pace in the race but Ethan was good and positive down to the first, took the bull by the horns and went on himself.

“To be fair he got his fractions right and gave him a good breather at the right time, and filled him. He finished with plenty of horse.

“We'll see where we go now but it's great that he's won his last two for the lads. They hit the crossbar a few times with him so for him to win his last couple is great. Hopefully he'll progress as a chaser.”