O’Sullivan charges toward $150K showdown

1 May 2026

One trainer who is eager to get to Menangle for this Saturday night’s $150,000 TAB Regional Championship State Final is Manton mentor Kristie O’Sullivan who prepares Tukaha.

Bred and raced by O’Sullivan’s parents John and Leslie O’Sullivan and driven by her brother-in-law Dean Cernovskis, the team behind the promising gelding is certainly a family affair and if Tukaha was able to score and take home the lion’s share of the stakes it would just be an enormous thrill for O’Sullivan.

“He has been a wonderful horse to us all, and if he were to win the final it would be incredible,” said O’Sullivan.

“Just to have a horse in the race is a great thrill, he has been racing so well of late.

“It is a really strong field no doubt, but we will dare to dream that is for sure.”

Tukaha qualified through the Riverina Championships at Wagga back in November last year when he finished second behind Thalassophobia, and since then has run some cracking races in Metropolitan grade at Menangle including a win last start at the track in a slick time of 1:51.6 for the mile.

“He could not be going any better at the races and in his preparation at home,” said O’Sullivan.

“The horse is fit and healthy, we have drawn well in the centre of the front line over the longer trip which he seems to relish.

“Hopefully we get the lucky breaks come our way at the right time and if they do, I am sure he will be right in the finish.”