Super Citizen shows his wellbeing for Cheltenham

Super Citizen showed terrific resolve to get back up after being headed on the run-in of the John Thomas McNamara Series (Q.R.) Handicap Chase in Leopardstown.

In doing so, he repeated his victory in this contest from last year.

He travelled strongly at the head of affairs after two out but was picked off upon touching down after the last by Echoes Of Family who looked like she would stay on best.

However, in the closing stages Super Citizens rallied strongly for Michael O'Sullivan and got his head back in front. He refused to be denied and passed the post a length and a quarter to the good at 7/2.

Echoes Of Family couldn't match the winner and had to settle for second at 10/1. The pair had the race to themselves in the latter stages as Fou Diligence was some seven and a half lengths adrift in third at 8/1. Touch Of Oscar was fourth at 16/1.

Trainer Eugene O'Sullivan said: “He loves this place and the race suited him, it obviously suited him last year and suited him this year.

“He's entered in the cross country race at Cheltenham and if he's alright, and if It Came To Pass is going, he'll go. If he's alright next week he'll travel, he doesn't have to do much now.

“He's been around there and loved it, and loves the good ground. He's just a lovely horse to have.

“Mikey said he had plenty of horse left but he frightened the life out of me!

“He's not a horse that usually pulls out a lot and I'd rather have seen him two lengths clear at the last. He's honest, jumps well and stays.”

The Stewards interviewed Mr J. Dunne, rider of Fou Diligence, concerning his use of the whip in the latter stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. In his evidence, Mr J. Dunne accepted that he had exceeded the whip guidelines in relation to use. Furthermore, photographic evidence was furnished from the IHRB Veterinary Officer. He accepted the content within. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards were of the opinion that Mr J. Dunne was in breach of R10(3)(g) by using his whip with excessive frequency and R10(3)(f) by using his whip with excessive force. Having taken his previous clean record into consideration, the Stewards suspended Mr J. Dunne for three racedays.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson