Aine O'Connor gets call-up to ride leading Ladbrokes Trophy hope American

Aine O'Connor with man-of-the-moment Robbie Power after her victory on Coldstonesober

Aine O'Connor, pictured with Robbie Power, takes over from Noel Fehily on AmericanCredit: Caroline Norris

Amateur jockey Aine O'Connor has been entrusted with the ride on American in Saturday's Ladbrokes Trophy as the smallest field this century was declared on Thursday for the Newbury showpiece.

The 14-strong line-up – the same number that competed in 2004 – shortly became 13 when 5-1 co-favourite Kemboy was stuck in Ireland due to the bad weather, making it the smallest field for the historic contest since Ever Blessed beat 12 rivals in 1999.

The turn of events makes O'Connor's task for the biggest ride of her career a little easier after she got the surprise call-up to partner the Harry Fry-trained American, with regular rider Noel Fehily heading to Newcastle on the same day to ride last season's Supreme Novices' Hurdle winner Summerville Boy in the BetVictor Fighting Fifth Hurdle.

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Andrew DietzReporter

Published on 29 November 2018inNews

Last updated 18:46, 30 November 2018

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