Cj Cregg provides O'Hanlon with 'best feeling ever'

Amy O'Hanlon recorded her first success in the saddle, as she guided Cj Cregg to victory in the Party Time Family Fun Day On July 7th Apprentice Handicap.

Upped five pounds her maiden success at Roscommon on Monday, the daughter of Arcano was sent off at 6/1 to follow-up this afternoon.

Slow into stride and she was settled towards rear, but made good progress on the outer as they rounded the home turn.

She was pushed along and got to the front a furlong and a half out, keeping on well from there to score by half a length. Dromana who was sent off the 3/1 favourite (from 4s), couldn't match the winner from over a furlong out, and eventually finished second under Andrew Slattery for John Oxx. Happy Company (7/1) had to settle for minor honours yet again, with the chestnut gelding another three parts of a length back in third.

McConnell said afterwards: "She is a great little filly and as a three-year-old she went to Troytown for massive colic surgery. It was very touch and go with her then and they put a lot of time into her.

"My parents took her home and rehabilitated her for five months and to come back and win two like that is great and it is great for Amy too. She has been placed a lot of times and that is her first winner.

"She is with me two years and is a very good horse woman and just needs the breaks to get a chance.

"I thought the ground would be soft and told my sister (owner Debbie McConnell) that she had no chance but she got away with it and I'd say there is a little more improvement in her.

"She is not big but is cat-like enough to be able to jump hurdles but we'll follow the Flat path for now. She could go to Galway."

O'Hanlon, 21 and from Dundalk added: "That was unbelievable, the best feeling ever! I couldn't believe it when I hit the straight and everything started quickening, I thought 'yes, I'm going to have a winner finally.'

"Debbie (McConnell, owner) has been so good to me. I've been with John for roughly two and a half years."

STEWARDS REPORT

S.M. Crosse, rider of Charlie Stout, trained by Shane Nolan, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount burst a blood vessel.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer reported to the Stewards that Charlie Stout trained by Shane Nolan was found to have blood at the nose following exercise induced pulmonary haemorrhage.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes