THURLES’ meeting on Thursday was curtailed to two opening races due to jockey Michael O’Sullivan’s medical emergency, following his fall in the second race.

The opening Horse & Jockey Beginners Chase had been won by the Henry de Bromhead-trained 66/1 outsider Special Cadeau, which survived a final fence mistake to score by two and a half lengths from Westport Cove.

De Bromhead trains Special Cadeau for Envirogreen Housing Services Ltd and afterwards successful jockey Darragh O’Keeffe reported: “He had probably been disappointing up until now albeit he ran well in a Fairyhouse maiden hurdle.

“He is a big horse, so we were hoping fences would improve him and it did. He jumped brilliantly, bar the last and got the job done. Henry’s horses typically improve over fences too and I’m delighted for the O’Connors (owners).”

Limerick on target

The unfortunate second race, a two-mile handicap chase, was won by Lake Chad (28/1), which registered a fourth career success for trainer Philip Fenton and owner Ms Eileen Moore.

Ridden by 7lb claimer Niall Moore, Lake Chad initially raced in mid-field and held a narrow lead when left clear by the melee, which involved O’Sullivan, at the final fence.

Afterwards Fenton stated: “He is not getting any younger, but has been a great servant and I’m delighted. He has had a break since his last run as he had been busy all along, so he was a fresh horse.

“His target is the 0-140 veterans’ chase at Limerick next month. Niall is with me six days a week and is a big help.”

Racing was abandoned an hour-and-a-half following the running of that second race and, after the arrival of an air ambulance, O’Sullivan was subsequently taken to Cork University Hospital.