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Easy bumper win for Realistic Optimism

Realistic Optimism and Tom HarneyRealistic Optimism and Tom Harney
© Photo Healy Racing

Amateur jockey Tom Harney partnered his third winner in 11 days today, steering Realistic Optimism to an impressive win for his employer, trainer Ross O'Sullivan in Kilbeggan's concluding bumper.

Harney, O'Sullivan's head man, registered winners for the trainer at Down Royal on June 3 and at Clonmel on Friday and today steered the son of Sageburg to an easy 10 lengths win.

Later Harney said “he was very impressive. He had a good comeback run in Limerick, it's just a pity he ran into one but they pulled well clear of the third that day.

“It all went smoothly today, we got the nice ground around the outside and he travelled sweet. I couldn't believe how well I was going when I saw Harry Swan (on runner-up and 6/5f Themanintheboots under pressure turning into the straight. He bolted up.

“Things were taking time to get going for me but it's all starting to click now which is great. Ross has some nice horses and I'm very grateful to him.”

Quotes from Gary Carson

About Tom Weekes
A lifelong racing fan, Tom began writing point to point reports in 2002 and has reported for irishracing.com since 2003, when he joined Irish Racing Services - since taken over by the Press Association. Has ridden a point to point winner and won the 2018 Irish Field Naps Table.