Florencio and Lisa O'Neill pictured on their way to victory© Photo Healy Racing
Jamie Osborne and Melbourne 10 Racing got an all important win on the board at Laytown, as Florencio took the O'Neills Sports 100 Years Centenary (Q.R.) Handicap.
Successful six times on the all-weather, and 'thrown-in' here off his turf rating of 75, the son of Equiano was expected to deliver.
Available at 13/8 in early shows, he opened on-course at 5/4 before going off favourite at 10/11 under Lisa O'Neill.
Toward the head of affairs throughout, the bay victor led from the two furlong pole and was soon ridden, keeping on well inside the final furlong to score by a length and three parts. Markhan (10s to 8s on-course) ran on well to take second under Jamie Codd for Gordon Elliott, while Acrux (10/1), also trained by Jamie Osborne for Melbourne 10 Racing, was another length and three parts back in third
When asked for a quick word Osborne replied: "Relieved!"
"I was surprise he was odds-on in handicap but we bought him because of his split mark and it worked.
"The beach is very different to English all-weather so there is always a doubt, but the heat is off now.
"We still have three shots left. The first two weren't as good as we hope and Kody Ridge (ran loose) was a disaster."
O'Neill added: "I have to thank Kate Harrington for getting me the ride. She couldn't ride him herself so she recommended me and I have her to thank for it."
"He was well thrown in. He travelled and took me there a lot sooner than I wanted to.
"I ended up having to go for him when I did as I didn't want to be a sitting duck and wait for someone to come to me, so I kicked on.
"Jamie said he stays well so thank God it worked out in the end."
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
