Marine Nationale (right) winning at Fairyhouse© Photo Healy Racing
Fears that Michael O’Sullivan could miss the upcoming important Christmas period have been allayed after the talented claimer was found not to have broken any bones in a fall last weekend.
O’Sullivan was sidelined following a fall from Yabo at Thurles on Sunday but trainer Barry Connell gave a positive update at Naas yesterday afternoon.
“Michael is one hundred per cent. He’s seen a surgeon this morning and is going to be back riding at Christmas. He’s going to sit out this week,” said Connell.
“He’s coming back in to ride out tomorrow.
“He thought he’d broke his collarbone but it’s only ligaments.”
O’Sullivan has enjoyed a great run of success since turning professional this season and partnered his first Grade 1 winner aboard the Connell-trained Marine Nationale in the Bar One Racing Royal Bond Novice Hurdle at Fairyhouse earlier this month.
The Nurney trainer also gave an update on his stablestar saying, “Marine is down in Cork on his holidays. He’s had two weeks and will be back the first in January into training.
“He’s been on the go since last March so he needs to get a break. He’ll head straight to Cheltenham.”
The unbeaten French Navy gelding is generally an 8/1 chance for the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle.
