Mike O'Connor loses claim at Clonmel

Mike O'Connor lost his claim at Clonmel today as the twenty-two-year old completed a double for his employer Henry De Bromhead, on Tag Man (11/10f) in the three-runner Bulmers Original Novice Chase.

Both Tag Man and Moonovercloon started 11/10 joint-favourites and while the winner made all, was strongly pressed in the home straight, but held on for a three-parts of a length win.

Outsider of the trio Donacheady Gale finished a long last.

O'Connor secured a Listed level win for De Bromhead in March and today, following the jockey's 60th success, the trainer reported “I'm delighted for Mikey who is a great rider and he is doing really well. He is a massive part of the yard, is a big team player and it is brilliant to see him ride out his claim. He is a really good rider and will get more opportunities.”

Regarding Tag Man, he added “he was really good, it was a nice way to start over fences and I thought he jumped really well. He was racing against more experienced horses but he has a bit of class.

“We'll look for something similar now and he loves that ground.”

O'Connor's older namesake Mikey O'Connor is himself well known, but rides as an amateur and predominantly in point-to-points.