Sub Lieutenant keeps it in the family for Sandra

Sandra Hughes maintained a notable family tradition when saddling Sub Lieutenant, Barry Geraghty’s only ride of the day, to land the Grade 2 Michael Purcell Memorial Novice Hurdle in Thurles yesterday.

The trainer’s late father Dessie had won the last three renewals of the race, with Lyreen Legend, Bright New Dawn and Giantofaman, respectively. And, this time, it was the turn of the Gigginstown House Stud-owned Sub Lieutenant to land the spoils for Osborne Lodge, outpointing odds-on favourite Milsean (also owned byGigginstown) by five and a half lengths, after the runner-up made a mistake at the final flight.

Sandra Hughes admitted: “I was disappointed with him in Leopardstown last day - that wasn’t him. I was very afraid of the ground today, because we always thought he was a good ground horse. But he’s tough as old boots. Barry gave him a super ride - he was tough on him, what he needs.”