Dermot Sullivan

Dermot Sullivan

Article by Alan Trout

Dermot Anthony Sullivan had three wins under rules, the first of which was at Ayr on January 4, 1989, when Lotus Island, trained by Nigel Tinkler, came through to take the lead two flights out and had five lengths to spare over Viking Rocket and the end of the Drongan Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle.  

Lotus Island had been in sparkling form that season, his six runs resulting in four wins and two second places, all under Graham McCourt. Dermot kept the ride for two placed efforts following their Ayr victory before the trainer took over in the saddle and won one race, then McCourt added another. 

In stark contrast, Dermot failed to ride a winner in the next two seasons. However, he finally secured a second success when Sheep Stealer, trained by Jimmy FitzGerald, took the lead with seven furlongs to go and held the challenge of stable companion Carson City to land the Sandy N.H. Flat Race at Southwell on January 27, 1992. 

The four-year-old Sheep Stealer was making his debut under rules and did not run again for over a year, but Dermot had another win in a similar contest when Sparrow Hall, also trained by Jimmy FitzGerald, had five lengths to spare at the end of the Osmanthorpe N.H. Flat Race at Southwell on March 2, 1992. 

It was Dermot’s second ride on the five-year-old, having finished second on their previous start, albeit beaten 15 lengths. Sparrow Hall did not run again for over 18 months and Dermot had few further opportunities.

Dermot Sullivan’s winners were, in chronological order:

1. Lotus Island, Ayr, January 4, 1989

2. Sheep Stealer, Southwell, January 27, 1992

3. Sparrow Hall, Southwell, March 2, 1992