'Different class' O'Connor steers Harvey's Quay home

Harvey's Quay (5/1) won a battle with Galon De Vauzelle (6/1) in the John & Terry Moriarty Memorial (Q.R.) Handicap Steeplechase over three miles at Listowel.

The pair were at the forefront two out and were locked together over the last with Avec Espoir in behind trying to rally.

Derek O'Connor, who had ridden a confident race on Harvey's Quay, got after his mount in the closing stages and the pair saw off Galon De Vauzelle and Tiernan Power Roche by half a length. Avec Espor finished two lengths back in third at 11/1.

Edward O’Grady said: “He’s finally broke his maiden (over fences) and I thought for just his second run in a handicap chase he’s jumped very well and of course he had the great assistance of Derek who is just different class.

“It was his first time over three miles and he seemed to stay rather well.

“We’ll see how he comes out of the race. He generally takes a little time to recover and we’ll see how we go.”

Harvey's Quay won a handicap hurdle at Clonmel back in December 2021.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee