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John O'Riordan

John O'Riordan

Money Talks as Park lands gamble for O'Sullivan

Wed 31st Jul 2024, 17:58

Talk In The Park and Darragh O'KeeffeTalk In The Park and Darragh O'Keeffe
© Photo Healy Racing

Trainer Ross O'Sullivan continued an excellent season when sending out the well backed Talk In The Park to land a gamble in the Tote, Never Beaten By SP Handicap Hurdle at Galway.

The locally owned gelding, who had been available at as big as 14/1 overnight, was strongly supported into 7/1 at the off.

Always front rank under Darragh O'Keeffe, the son of Walk In The Park went second two out, as Sea Music pressed on in front.

Heading the latter early in the straight, Talk In The Park went clear from the back of the last to record an easy six length success.

Darragh O'Keeffe said: "I really fancied him coming here today. The nicer ground definitely helped. He is a very straightforward horse. He jumps well and stays galloping.

"Everything was so smooth for him. Even when I got a good jump at the second last he just landed there and when I got down and gave him a squeeze he kept galloping away well."

Ross O’Sullivan said: That’s just magic. The last time the lads had a winner here (at the Festival) their dad trained it and Katie rode it in 2012. We had a great night then and we’ll have a great night again!

“This was the plan for a good while. He won his maiden hurdle, but he had winter form and that experience stood to him. Nicer ground was the key.

“The lads really enjoy winners and you feed off their enthusiasm. They get a great kick out of it, and it makes it even more special.

“He’s in on Sunday and I’ll chat to the lads and see how he is. We’ll make a late call on it and he’ll definitely jump a fence.”

Additional reporting by Alan Magee.

About John O'Riordan
John has worked for the Press Association since 2022. He also writes a weekly column for The Irish Field and is a regular contributor to the Irish Racing Yearbook. He has previously written for the Racing Post, Irish Examiner and Irish Daily Mirror. He has been involved in racing for over three decades; having experience as a syndicate member, sole owner and breeder.