Brilliant festival soured by BHA's exaggerated reaction to riding in four-miler

Topofthegame: the Donnchadh Doyle-trained Belclare winner looked a future Gold Cup horse in a hugely impressive victory in the RSA ChaseCredit: Edward Whitaker

It was brilliant to be heavily involved at Cheltenham, riding in all three amateur races as the well as the Champion Bumper.

I had mixed fortune, but any time you come away with a festival winner is special. I'm very grateful to JP McManus and Ted Walsh for helping me achieve a major career ambition in winning the Kim Muir.

As on any occasion I've ridden for Ted he told me to ride Any Second Now as I thought best, and gave no specific instructions. At the same time he gave me a lot of confidence, telling me the horse was in good shape. Ruby and Katie said the same. Going for a big race with that sort of belief behind you is a big help in itself.

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Derek O'ConnorJockey

Published on 19 March 2019inRegulars

Last updated 19:26, 19 March 2019

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