Spanish John springs surprise under O'Sullivan

Spanish John sprang a 22/1 surprise in the Broderick's Electric Handicap Hurdle, coming from off the pace under Michael O'Sullivan.

No better than sixth in six previous starts, the Pat Fahy-trained five-year-old was last seen finishing down the field at Clonmel in March.

On what was his handicap debut this evening, the Vendangeur chestnut raced towards rear on the outer, making good progress from the second last.

Forced wide away from the last, he was soon ridden in third, getting to the front inside the final 100 yards before going on to score by three-and-a-quarter lengths for the Ballinaboley Plant Hire Syndicate.

Supported from 7/1 into 9/2, Thefaithfulindian filled the runner-up spot, while Light Parade (4/1f) and Bowgate Street (40/1) were third and fourth respectively.

"That was brilliant. I didn't expect it," O'Sullivan remarked.

"I rode him up the 'Vic' in a bit of work and he was still quite raw. They went a good gallop here, it mightn't have been the strongest of handicaps, I had to niggle him at times and he jumped fairly well.

"I was carried a bit wide turning in because Eoin Walsh's horse was just hanging out, but it might have helped, we got a clear run and got the stands' side rail and he'd plenty left.

"I didn't want to be hitting anywhere near the front until after the last because he has a look at everything.

"Pat had told me to sit wherever I was happy. I just got him a bit of room and gave him a chance when I needed to down the back. It worked out so it was great."

STEWARDS REPORTS

Paul John Gilligan, trainer of Chequer Square reported to the Clerk of Scales that his charge had a cut on his front leg post race.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Got Grey (FR), trained by Gavin Cromwell, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to have an over reach to his right fore post race.

Paul Stafford, trainer of Joven De Corazon reported to the Clerk of Scales that his charge was showing signs of being in season post race.

Additional reporting by Mark Nunan