Chally Chute strikes Loughbrown gold for O’Sullivan

Ross O’Sullivan was delighted to secure his first Group-race victory as Chally Chute rose to the top in the Comer Group International Loughbrown Stakes at the Curragh.

With Listed wins under both codes and Graded success over jumps to his name, the trainer was in search of a first strike in Pattern company on the level and saddled the 11-8 favourite in a field of 10.

The chestnut was last seen finishing second as a 66-1 shot for the Irish Cesarewitch and went on better with a three-and-a-half-length verdict over The Shunter under Donagh O’Connor.

“We’re thrilled. He’s been a star since he arrived and won a Listed race earlier in the year,” said O’Sullivan.

“He was unlucky the last day in the Cesarewitch when he didn’t get a clear run and was stopped twice. Usually that’s your opportunity for one of the big ones but it’s great to come back here and win a Group Three.

“He’s going to be some horse for next year. He has a high rating and could end up going for some of the Cup races – he could travel to England and France.

“It’s great for the yard and these horses are really hard to find.”

Listed honours were up for grabs in the Guinness 0.0 Finale Stakes, which Joseph O’Brien’s 7-1 shot Beset turned into a procession.

Declan McDonogh’s mount was the last horse off the bridle and once given his head he charge seven and a half lengths clear of the opposition, with Royal Entry best of the rest in second.

O’Brien was completing a double on the card having earlier landed the Irish EBF Maiden with 9-4 favourite James J Braddock.

Of Beset, McDonogh said: “She’s had a good year, stakes placed and now a stakes winner. She has a very enthusiastic bunch of owners and they will be hot on Instagram tonight!

“I went down to the two (furlong marker) on the bridle, which is a rare thing, and she picked up really well – she gave me a good feel today.”