Mark Nunan
Conor Orr rides out his claim on Politesse
Politesse and Conor Orr jump the last
© Photo Healy Racing
Conor Orr rode his last winner as a 3lb claimer as the 9/4 favourite Politesse made all in the Ladbrokes Committed To Safer Gambling Beginners Steeplechase and ran out a comfortable eleven length winner.
The daughter of Beat All, a bumper and hurdles winner last seen when finishing fourth in the Grade 1 mares’ hurdle at the Festival here earlier in the month, was deliberate at some of her fences but had the race in safe keeping turning in with two to jump.
4/1 chances Premium Package and Wing And A Prayer filled the placings after second-favourite Tullybeg took a heavy fall at the halfway stage.
The winning 7-year-old is a half-sister to three-time Grade 1 winner over fences Don Poli.
Winning trainer Lorna Fowler “I’m delighted with her and she’s a chaser all over.
“Things didn’t go right at the start of last season, stupid things had us off the track for a bit, but she finished fourth in a Grade 1 after nearly six months off the track.
“We’ve schooled her lots over fences and she’s undoubtedly been a natural from the outset. We’re very lucky to have this ground at this time of year.
“The idea was to give her light and if there wasn’t enough pace then let her on. She was very much in command of the situation.
“I doubt if she’ll run again until the autumn and we’ll keep her over fences. She has a lot of experience to still gain but that was a very good start to her chasing career. If they enjoy it first time it’s huge especially for fillies.
“Conor has ridden out his (3lb) claim with that winner and he’s done all the schooling on her. They are very much a partnership.”
Quotes from Alan Magee