Essex bounces back

Denis Cullen’s Essex bounced back to something like his best form when winning the Cheestrings Beginners Chase at Listowel today, his first win since July ’07.

Jockey Andrew Lynch moved the son of Irish Oaks winner Knight’s Baroness to lead five out, with the gelding staying on for a battling length and three parts win over 2/1f Warne

Afterwards Cullen stated “the blinkers and fences seen to have rejuvenated Essex a little recently and he was finding it too competitive over hurdles recently. Andrew was very positive on him and gave him a brilliant ride. I’ve no plan from here.”

Cullen, who took over the license from his father-in-law and much respected trainer Michael O’Brien in November ’09, was recording his seventh winner and reported his predecessor, who retired due to ill health, to be “in good form. He is out and about a lot and still gives me an ear-full now and again!”