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Cottesloe Sunshine was the highlight of a Thurles treble for Joseph O’Brien in the Billy Harney Memorial Irish EBF Mares Novice Hurdle – and a first winner back from injury for J J Slevin.
The 3-1 chance had finished a respectable third behind the improving Hey Sunshine in a similar Listed contest last time out but seemed likely to have to settle for placed honours again on this occasion.
Having taken up the running before the second last, she looked like a sitting duck as Tim Doyle’s Beauforts Storm came cruising up alongside her.
However, to her immense credit, Cottesloe Sunshine battled on gamely and got the verdict by a short head.
It was a big win for the man on board, out injured since October with a broken bone in his foot – and he admitted he found it tough.
“Sharpness, rusty, jumping, position and everything – I found it more difficult than normal today but she is a good staying type of mare who tried hard and jumped well,” said Slevin.
“She is a hardy lady and when the other horse passed me at the last, she stuck out her head again. Joseph is flying and this is unreal.”
He added “I am lucky to be riding at all, as initially the surgeons told me it would be a long, long time. They had even asked had I any rides for Cheltenham (in March), so I replied ‘probably none’, after hearing that!
“It is all down to Jennifer Pugh and Wayne and Gavin in RACE, who have worked unbelievably hard to get me here and it is all down to them.
“I can’t walk but I’m riding something like how I always rode.”
O’Brien was also celebrating when Prairie Dancer (10-1) defied top weight in the Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Chase and Jeaniemacaroney (6-1) won the Wishing Everyone A Safe & Happy Christmas Handicap Hurdle.
Blue Velvet (4-5 favourite) looked another above average recruit for Willie Mullins, quickening up in fine style to win the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares INH Flat Race.
The trainer said: “She is a nice addition to the mares ranks. She was very green and lazy, so was learning on the job, and to pull it out again in the final 100 yards when the other horse came to her was a great sign.
“She looks like a really nice type and looks another one for the DRF mares’ bumper. Hopefully, then she will go across the water and to Punchestown.”
