O’Sullivan hopes to break record

Press, 22 July 1986, Page 40

O’Sullivan hopes to break record

PA Wellington The country’s leading jockey, Lance O’Sullivan, hopes to break the New Zealand record for winning rides in a season at Hawera tomorrow.

O’Sullivan has a promising book of rides at the Opunake Racing Club’s meeting where he will endeavour to notch his 139th winner for this season.

He rode winner 138 at the Taumaranui Racing Club’s meeting at Te Rapa on Saturday when he combined with Bonesy Boy to win the R. R. Weir Ltd, Handicap.

This equalled the record set last season by David Walsh, who is moving to Perth this week. “It was a big relief to get the 138th winner and I can’t say how pleased I am,” O’Sullivan said. The Matamata jockey showed his excitement by waving his whip in the air as he went to the post aboard Bonesy Boy for a 3y 2 length win. “I have only raised my whip three times. The first time was when Silver Tip won the Railway Handicap and the other time was when I won the T.V.N.Z. Stakes on Waver-

ley Star.” It has been a big season for O’Sullivan, aged 22, who is about to complete his second season as a fully fledged jockey. Earlier this year O’Sullivan reached a - maiden century of winners. . “That was my big aim at the start of the season and then when I got the 100th I began to think more about the New Zealand record.” O’Sullivan’s rides at Hawera tomorrow include Enlei’s Pet, Diamante’s Girl, Mother Earth, Maginness McGee, Wimsey, Avontor and Del’s Delight.