Barry Connell and Michael O’Sullivan have developed a highly successful partnership this season and the pair teamed up for another significant victory as L’yser took the Tommy Carberry Handicap Hurdle at Fairyhouse.

The field for this 2m4f event was reduced to 14 with American Mike (temperature) and Unanswered (coughing) among the four non-runners and it was the two market principals, L’yser and Cadatharla who took centre-stage from early in the home straight.

L’yser just held the edge under O'Sullivan but was pressed all the way to the line for a neck verdict. The pair drew clear on the run-in with Mr Saxobeat nine and a half lengths back in third.

Connell said, “It was a competitive race. After Leopardstown there wasn't another two-and-a-half mile race worth a few quid so I think everybody was in the same boat waiting for this. It was a little mini Galway Hurdle.

“It's not an easy race to win, it takes a good horse to do it. Obviously he got in off a light weight and Michael was claiming 5lb so it was all a help.

“He's a horse that handles a bit of nice ground, for a big horse, so I'd say we'll keep him going.

“We'll probably take in another handicap hurdle before the end of the season and then probably look at going novice chasing in the new season. He's very scopey.

“His jumping was a little hit and miss today but he has a good old engine.”

Quotes by Gary Carson