Wilcosdiana gets O'Sullivan off the mark

Michael O'Sullivan recorded his first track success, as he guided Wilcosdiana to an easy win in the Jack Tyner Memorial Hunters Chase.

O'Sullivan, who has tasted success 'between the flags', was riding this eight-year-old daughter of Flemensfirth for his uncle Eugene.

Successful over the course in November, the bay victor disappointingly pulled up on her last two starts.

Available at 20/1 last night, she opened on-course at just 5s, before going off a 4/1 chance.

Prominent throughout, she held a definite advantage from eight out and extended her lead from the fourth last, going on to score easily by forty-seven lengths. Venitien De Mai who was sent off the even money favourite, finished second under Derek O'Connor for Jim Dreaper.

The winning rider, who is a son of Cheltenham winning jockey William O'Sullivan (1991 Foxhunters Chase winner Lovely Citizen), said afterwards: "I've had four point to point winners and turned 18 last month and am doing my leaving cert this year.

"She was the easiest winner I'll have and I don't think I missed one fence. She pricks the ears and is an easy ride.

"I'm a bit light for point-to-points and I'd like to give going professional a go."

Eugene O'Sullivan added: "In her last few races she was racing against some very good horses and she just blew herself up. She was left alone today and travelled at her own pace.

"She might go to Killarney over 2m 6f next and is a lovely progressive mare, even though she is eight. She is 17.3hh and is a nice mare to have"

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes