Alan O’Sullivan steered Hitthehayson to victory in honour of his late brother, Michael O’Sullivan, and fellow amateur jockey Lorna Brooke, in the in Fairyhouse Memorial Chase, at Fairyhouse, yesterday.
Alan riding for trainer Ian Donoghue, delivered a composed performance to secure his sixth winner of the season, matching last year’s total with months still to go.
But the poignancy of the occasion was matched by sporting achievement: it was an extraordinary 1–2–3 for Glantane and Banteer riders.
Hitthehayson, making his debut over fences, stayed on strongly to fend off the challenge of the well-backed favourite Duffy’s Hodey, ridden into second by Cal Shine of Banteer. Completing a clean sweep for the region was Maxine O’Sullivan, Alan’s cousin, who produced a determined effort to take third on Decimation for trainer Eric McNamara.
The race unfolded with Hitthehayson tracking the early pace before asserting approaching the second-last. A sharp jump carried O’Sullivan to the front, and the pair maintained the advantage all the way to the line, securing the horse’s third career success.
Speaking afterwards, O’Sullivan acknowledged the weight of the occasion for his family.
“It’s special that Fairyhouse staged this race in memory of Michael and Lorna,” he said. “All of our family made the trip today. It’s the first time we’ve been together since Michael’s month’s mind, so this win means a lot to us.”
