Sumos Novios (Derek O'Connor) jumps the last in the Tim Duggan Memorial Handicap Chase© Photo Healy Racing
14 years is a long time between drinks but Derek O’Connor and Liam Burke bridged a lengthy gap when teaming up for a second time to land the Tim Duggan Memorial Handicap Chase as Sumos Novios recorded a shock in the Limerick feature.
The pair of point-to-point stalwarts linked up to land this valuable prize with Coolnahilla in 2005 and this time it was the veteran Sumos Novios who landed the €50,000 Grade B Handicap.
The 20/1 chance took over in front after front-running 5/1 favourite Articulum fell at the eighth.
O’Connor’s mount was challenged at the second last but stayed on strongly on the run-in to record a three lengths verdict over Minella Times
JP McManus-owned runners dominated the places as Shady Operator finished a further length and three quarters back in third with Glenloe putting in his best work in the closing stages to take fourth.
Burke said, “Derek suited him and gave him some ride. He rode Coolnahilla to win this race for me 14 years ago.
“He ran well in Galway on his first run back and two miles was too short for him the last day but I had no races to run him in.
“He doesn’t quite see out three miles on heavy ground so we didn’t run in the Troytown and he won’t be going for the Thyestes. He could go for the Leopardstown Chase over 2m5f if the ground was suitable and he ran well in the Leinster National at Naas before.
“The ground suited him today and it’s grand to get that.”
