Thornton on the mark

County Dublin trainer Sean Thornton saddled his first winner under rules when City Hustler landed the Callan Handicap Hurdle under a fine ride by Eddie O’Connell.

Thornton who is based in Skerries has a small few in training and is assisted by his son Karl.

O’Connell had the Century City gelding on terms jumping the last and five year old picked up well to lead on the run-in and deny King High by a head.

Karl Thornton son of the winning trainer said afterwards: “This lad will probably go to Bellewstown for another handicap hurdle.”

“He has always been so tough and he battled well.”