O'Sullivan lands the Ladies National on Read To Return Providing Maxine O'Sullivan with her second winner in as many days, Read To Return claimed an eventful renewal of the Fairyhouse Racecourse Ladies National Handicap Chase. A beaten favourite many times since his sole previous track success back in October of 2023, the Tony Martin-trained eight-year-old was sent off a 15/2 chance today. Owned by the Spectacular Seven Syndicate, the bay victor was given a patient ride by O'Sullivan, making steady headway from before six out. Fifth entering the straight, he made a mistake three out but recovered well and was left in a share of the lead from the next, after Secrecies Of Stone unseated Georgie Benson when in front. Slightly hampered at that obstacle, the 108-rated victor gained an outright advantage before the last and stretched clear on the run-in to prevail by four-lengths. Returned the 10/3 favourite (from 7s early), Vaureal filled the runner-up spot under Caragh Monaghan, while there was a further 20-length gap back to Ik's Man (15/2) in third. Both Don't Talk and Rusheen also unseated six and five out respectively. "Maxine has been with me for years and is a great rider. She gave it a great ride and that was it," Martin reflected. "He crept away and leaped well bar the third last. I thought we were getting into it nicely and lucky enough we got away with it. It worked out well in the end. "He's had a few little issues and, on his day when things go right for him, he's not too bad. He's just never got the hop of the ball in a few races. Fortunately enough, everything went right for him today. "We've been lucky at this meeting over the years." STEWARDS REPORTS * The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Potters Party, trained by Henry de Bromhead, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal. * Miss A.B. O'Connor, rider of Potters Party, trained by Henry de Bromhead, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that her mount lost its action but returned sound. Additional reporting by Michael Graham
