'I spent £1,000 on diesel' - winning raid a costly one for Irish trainer

Wednesday: Worcester

The career of jockey Richie McLernon in Britain was launched by Eugene O’Sullivan at Worcester 16 years ago and although the Irish trainer enjoyed another successful raid, he fears the high travel costs could halt further visits.

The McLernon-ridden Hazran landed the opening 2m½f novice handicap chase, netting connections a creditable £5,010.32, but O’Sullivan has endured a costly week in getting three runners to the races, with diesel alone reportedly costing £1,000 and paperwork proving strenuous after Brexit.

The trainer’s other runner at the track yesterday, newcomer Dream Getaway, suffered a fatal injury while Super Citizen disappointed at Cartmel last Sunday for O’Sullivan, but Hazran produced a fine performance after a 407-day break, despite some jumping errors, to win at 11-2.

Cork-based O’Sullivan said: “I love coming over and I have no problem doing it, but it’s getting very expensive. Brexit has been a big hit for us Irish trainers having horses run in England.

“It was paperwork but it’s diesel too – it’s not as easy as it looks. I had £1,000 spent on diesel between coming to Cartmel and here – that’s a lot of money. We love coming here and if the diesel does come down we’ll be back.”

McLernon’s first rides in Britain came here on two O’Sullivan-trained runners in July 2006. Hazran was his 365th domestic winner and it was clearly a memorable one.

He said: “Coming back here and riding Eugene a winner is great. He’s a brilliant fella and a great trainer too. I’m delighted for him to come over and for it to pay off.”

Top yards clash

Nice prospects from the Nicky Henderson and Gordon Elliott stables battled out the finish to the mares’ bumper, with Mistress Emma coming out on top for Henderson.

The filly ran in Henderson’s colours and is up for sale. The trainer said: “She was a bit backward at one stage so nobody had ever seen her.

“We got her going in the spring, so we ran her. I like the way she did it very much and she’s a good-looking filly. I’m waiting for the phone to ring now.”

Flying form

Joe Tizzard continued his remarkable run with the victory of Princess Midnight in the 2m4f handicap chase, his sixth winner from 11 runners in the last fortnight.

“It’s great,” he said. “They’re all in beautiful form at the moment and she deserved to win. She was unlucky when she came down when challenging at Stratford and it’s nice to get her head in front.”

Advantage Bowen

Sean Bowen moved one clear of Brian Hughes at the top of the jump jockeys’ standings with victory on Dalkingstown in the 2m7f handicap hurdle.

Results, replays and analysis

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