Red-hot Mike O'Connor proves the master once again for in-form Henry de Bromhead
Conditional Mike O’Connor is making hay while senior riders are on holiday this month, with his boss Henry de Bromhead in irrepressible form.
The pair combined again as the grey Cavalry Master got the better of a thrilling duel with fellow Gigginstown-owned gelding Star Max in the 2m4f novice chase, the first leg of a double for the rider.
The son of Milan was never out of the first two in a race run at a strong gallop, and from the second-last it was nip and tuck between them, with O’Connor’s mount prevailing by half a length.
“It seemed a strong enough contest," said O'Connor. "We went a nice gallop and I was trying to get breathers into my fellow the whole way. He got a good jump at the last and he put his head down and battled the whole way.”
The jockey doubled up in the following handicap chase on the Seamus Braddish-trained Brogine, which was a spare ride after Cathal Landers was stood down for the day following an earlier fall.
O’Connor was one of a number of riders who were heading to Navan to take up further mounts. The track is more than a two-hour drive from Wexford.
Townend extends lead
The lady riders’ championship could almost be over with just a month of the season gone as Jody Townend moved her tally for the season to seven – six clear of her nearest rivals – when landing the 2m4½f ladies’ handicap hurdle on Klassy Kay for Willie Mullins.
The daughter of Presenting bounced back to form to win by six and a half lengths, giving Townend her first winner over jumps for her boss.
"She was very good," the winning rider said. "She jumped like a buck for me and kept herself in the race with her jumping. “It’s only my second ride over jumps for Willie and it’s great to get one on the board."
For all our exclusive free bet offers and must-have daily promotions click the free bets button or go to racingpost.com/freebets
Published on 16 June 2021inReports
Last updated 19:46, 16 June 2021
- Sandown: 'That was a great bit of riding' - Nico de Boinville earns plaudits after 'remarkable' Fantastic Lady strikes in Grade 2
- 'Are you daring me?' - Willie Mullins vows to defend his title with gusto as Sandown salutes a true champion
- Navan: Aidan O'Brien 'couldn't be happier' after champion stayer Kyprios returns to winning ways
- Haydock: Gavin Cromwell enjoys another successful trip to Britain after Earls lands feature £50,000 handicap
- bet365 Gold Cup: Danny Mullins delighted to play 'super-sub' role as he gets Minella Cocooner up in thrilling fashion
- Sandown: 'That was a great bit of riding' - Nico de Boinville earns plaudits after 'remarkable' Fantastic Lady strikes in Grade 2
- 'Are you daring me?' - Willie Mullins vows to defend his title with gusto as Sandown salutes a true champion
- Navan: Aidan O'Brien 'couldn't be happier' after champion stayer Kyprios returns to winning ways
- Haydock: Gavin Cromwell enjoys another successful trip to Britain after Earls lands feature £50,000 handicap
- bet365 Gold Cup: Danny Mullins delighted to play 'super-sub' role as he gets Minella Cocooner up in thrilling fashion