WATCH: Emotional Limerick family success in big Sky Bet Stayers Handicap at York Ebor Festival

THERE was a stirring Limerick victory on the opening day of York's prestigious Ebor Festival meeting when Extensio, owned and trained in Herbertstown by the O'Donnell family, landed the £100,000 Sky Bet Stayers Handicap.

Extensio, trained by Pat O'Donnell and carrying the colours of his wife Una, landed the valuable two mile contest at odds of 14/1.

The winner burst through the field inside the final furlong under jockey Joey Sheridan and won pretty comfortably.

It was a 1-2 for Irish-trained runners in the race as seven-year-old Extensio had two lengths to spare over the Gordon Elliott-trained 3-1 favourite Samui.

It was a memorable day for the O'Donnell family and afterwards an emotional Pat O'Donnell admitted the win meant a 'massive amount' to him when interviewed on ITV Racing.

If you watch anything this week make sure it's this.

We love Pat O'Donnell ❤️#ITVRacing | #EborFestival | @olibellracing pic.twitter.com/EVZCPlNFDM

— ITV Racing (@itvracing) August 21, 2024

O'Donnell said: "Professionally this means a massive amount to me because I live and breathe this game. Handicappers like this, there are so many variables. If you'd a graded horse it'd be easier because they're as good as they are, so yes I'd like to give myself a little bit of praise – and Joey [Sheridan, rider]. This is the lucky one. Most equestrians get one in their life and this is our one."

Pat O'Donnell later added: “He’s a lucky horse. I got him cheaply and got him luckily – and I don’t think we’re finished yet.

“I gave Joey (Sheridan) no instructions, I just said ‘be the last to challenge’, and he was. He was one of the first off the bridle, I could see Joey rowing along and I loved to see that, as I knew he would come home strong – and he did.

*new favourite interview* https://t.co/wFvU1zyN9z

— Lydia Hislop (@LydiaHislop) August 21, 2024

“I have to admit, we spoke about it and said if he won today we would work back from Royal Ascot next summer. That is a big shout, but he’s a family horse and I think we’re entitled as a family to aim there with him. We won’t be going for the scenery either.

“I’ve entered him in the Irish Cesarewitch and what can I say? We’re here in Yorkshire, Peter Easterby is here – he is one of my idols. It’s unbelievable.”

Pat's daughter Sylvia O’Donnell rode just her second winner when partnering the seven-year-old Extensio to take the 14-furlong rated race at Fairyhouse in July. The winning jockey had landed her first success on the same horse in the 2022 Ladies’ Derby at the Curragh.

Fantastic

Extensio, trained by Pat O'Donnell in Limerick, continues a fairy tale family story with victory in the £100,000 Sky Bet Stayers Handicap at @yorkracecourse! @joeysheridan8 pic.twitter.com/JiOqYaXka3

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) August 21, 2024

Trainer Pat O'Donnell enjoyed Cheltenham Festival success back in 1995 when Chance Coffey won the fiercely competitive Coral Cup at Prestbury Park.