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'He won't be claiming seven pounds too long' - Michael O'Sullivan on target

Terence O'Brien: 'You can't just throw those horses out to the field.'
Terence O'Brien took the day six feature with Magnor GloryCredit: Patrick McCann

Friday: Listowel

Terence O’Brien is no stranger to getting one ready for a crack at a big handicap, and Magnor Glory produced a career-best performance to land a thrilling running of the €100,000 Ladbrokes Handicap Hurdle.

The son of Fame And Glory came out on top in a brilliant finish to the day six highlight under 7lb claimer Michael O’Sullivan.

A cousin of fellow jockey Maxine O’Sullivan still had plenty to do on Magnor Glory turning for home. He had six horses ahead of him between the second last and final hurdle but was galvanised by O'Sullivan to score by three lengths from Fils D'Oudairies in the 2m contest.

“It’s fantastic," said O'Brien of the 16-1 winner. "We were a bit disappointed after Galway and I really hadn’t a clue what way he was going to go today. He’d been going well at home but I just didn’t know how he’d fare.

“We always felt there was a big handicap in him. The lads at home have done a great job.”

O’Sullivan’s father William rode the first winner of his riding career for O’Brien in a Dungarvan point-to-point in the 1990s, and the trainer was full of praise for his young rider.

He added: “Michael was fantastic. I legged up his dad and he rode his first winner for me a long time ago. It’s funny now, we’ve had the full turn of the wheel with them.

"I’ve been hearing about Michael and he gave the horse a brilliant ride. He won’t be claiming seven pounds too long I’d say.”

O'Sullivan rounded off a memorable day by steering the Michael Kennedy-trained Presenting J to success in the concluding mares' bumper to complete a 220-1 double.

O’Sullivan said: “I’m absolutely delighted and couldn’t have asked for much more. I thought coming today I’d have a few squeaks but nothing more than that.

"For things to turn out the way they did, I couldn’t be happier. It’s great to get one for Mikey [Kennedy, trainer]. He’s been a great supporter of mine.”

First up for Coleman

Aidan Coleman partnered his first winner at Listowel on just his third ride at the track. The British-based jockey steered Pat Coyne to victory for John Queally in the 2m6f handicap chase.

Coleman said: “I had a great partner and he’s a brilliant jumper. The race was run to suit him and he hit the line strongly."

Coleman recently lost his role as stable jockey for Olly Murphy with the Warwickshire trainer citing the rider's high-profile commitments to the likes of Jonbon, Epatante and Paisley Park as one of the reasons for the split.

On his first win at Listowel's harvest festival, Coleman said: "Any festivals are good be it Cheltenham, Galway, Aintree or Punchestown. That’s what I want to target these days. It’s great to come up to these places and get a winner.”

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