Ballyreesode and John Cullen© Photo Healy Racing
Gerry O’Neill bridged a winless gap stretching back to New Year’s Day 2011 when saddling Ballyreesode to come out on top in an exciting finish to the Oysters Point Handicap Hurdle.
Nearly half of the 16 runners were still in with a chance in this three-miler as they turned for home but the 14/1 shot, who only got in as first reserve in the absence of Tales Of Milan, proved strongest on the run-in.
John Cullen gave him a determined drive to beat Day Dream Boy (10/1) by a length and a half, with Western Man (10/1) another two lengths back in third. Lake Return (16/1) completed the placings back in fourth another length and three quarters adrift.
O'Neill was the regular partner of Gold Cup winner Imperial Call in his younger days, and enjoyed Cheltenham Festival success on Chance Coffey in the 1995 Coral Cup.
Owner Thomas Coleman lives near O’Neill in Bruff, Co. Limerick and said “We weren’t expecting it, and I’m not sure where we go next. Gerry has a half share in him, and I also have another one with Philip Fenton that might run later in the year.”
Additional reporting by Donal Murphy
