Winn keeps Mirsky out of trouble to take Sky Bet Thirsk Hunt Cup

Mirsky gained another notable handicap success for David O’Meara as he repelled 5/2 favourite Blue RC and the luckless Sea Force in the Sky Bet Thirsk Hunt Cup on Saturday, May 2.

A winner over the mile course and trip last May, Mirsky also captured a valuable handicap at Epsom Downs’ Derby Festival and was a creditable third on his comeback at Musselburgh last month.

Blue RC compromised his chance with a slow start, while 5/1 chance Mirsky secured a nice position in midfield under Mark Winn as 2025 winner Flight Plan led the 13 runners into the far turn.

Mirsky and Blue RC were produced towards the centre of the track as the field fanned out approaching the final two furlongs, with Sea Force trying to thread a passage between horses.

Winn’s mount led clearly passing the furlong marker, although Blue RC was building up a head of steam out wide and Sea Force was out of trouble after some brief interference.

Mirsky edged towards the rail as the duo closed, forcing Sea Force to check his run, but the winning line came in time for the seven-year-old. Blue RC got to within a half-length, with Sea Force a length and a quarter further back in third.

Winn said: “That was perfect, although Mirsky probably travelled too well into the race. I did not want to get there that early but equally I did not want to let him down either. Thankfully, he is a willing companion and kept sticking his head out.

“Mirsky had a nice run at Musselburgh and probably tightened up for it. He is a good early summer horse as he comes to hand pretty quickly. He showed that last year and has done it well again today.

“This year for me is all about getting fully based [somewhere]. With David, I seem to be riding whatever Danny [Tudhope] doesn’t, and I have been getting plenty of opportunities. It is nice to come here on a Saturday and bag a pretty big pot like this.”

Mirsky wins the Sky Bet Thirsk Hunt Cup (credit: Hannah Ali)