Strange Notions (left) beats Optum (right)© Photo Healy Racing
There was a dramatic finish to the two-mile maiden hurdle at Thurles this afternoon with Optum throwing away victory near the post as Strange Notions lunged late.
Maxine O'Sullivan took the mount on 25/1 shot Optum for her father Eugene and after cutting out the running they looked to have fought off the challenges of Onlyhuman and Strange Notions going to the last.
A slight error there put him under pressure and he started to drift left on the run-in.
As Strange Notions ran on close home Optum veered badly left near the line and unshipped his rider just after the post.
Even-money shot Strange Notions, who has been under pressure in third over the final flight, timed things to perfection getting her head in front for a short-head victory under Phillip Enright.
The Charles O'Brien-trained winner was gaining a deserved first victory over timber having been placed on three previous occasions.
Thankfully Maxine O'Sullivan was none the worse for her spill and was reunited with her partner to return to the runner-up spot in the enclosure.
Enright said afterwards:- "Down to the second last Robbie Power slipped through on the inside and I thought he was going to quicken away from us but he came back and unfortunately for Maxine (O'Sullivan) her horse didn't help her. I was lucky I winged the last.
"She deserved her turn and it is great when you come out the right side.
"That's only my second ride for Charles and rode this mare in the E100,000 handicap hurdle at Leopardstown the last day when she finished fifth. She was entitled to win on that form but I didn't think it would be as hard as that."
(Quotes by Tom Weekes)
