Donnacha O'Brien brings up the century again

Champion jockey Donnacha O’Brien again hit the 100 winner mark when doubling up with his father Aidan at Gowran as Ballydoyle’s King Pellinor (11/4 favourite) triumphed in the Racing Again November 23rd Maiden.

O’Brien was top of the pile in 2018 with a total of 111 winners and you’d imagine it could be something around the same granted a bit of luck for him at the end of this term.

Colin Keane is four off O’Brien at this stage and it was two one between the pair on this card. O’Brien also won the opener on Arthur’s Kingdom whilst Keane took the second on Lemista

Turned out quickly after a Thurles fifth placing last Thursday, King Pellinor seemed to come forward for the addition of blinkers to defeat Pienta and Shamiyan by a length and a half and a head.

“He did it well. He probably didn't really get the two miles the last day, it's nice to get a win into him,” said Donnacha O'Brien.

“I think the blinkers helped, they were no harm anyway.

“He handled the ground fine. I kept him out on the fresh stuff early. In the straight he kept galloping and the loose horse kept me company.”

Vanessa Maye, rider of Double Jemmy trained by John Geoghegan, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that her mount clipped heels and she was unseated.

Following a course inspection this morning by the clerk of the course and in consultation with the racecourse manager and the Chairman of the Stewards, the decision was made to not start this race from stalls owing to the ground conditions.

(GC & EM)