O'Dwyer claims Legends race

Dual Gold Cup and Champion Hurdle winning jockey Conor O'Dwyer proved the best of the legends as Bullock Harbour ran out an easy winner of the Foleys Antiques Supporting The Arkle Memorial Statue Fund Maiden at Bellewstown.

Trainer/rider Adrian Maguire took them along at a brisk pace in the 1m6f event aboard Teak

He had no answer, however, as O'Dwyer loomed large on the Jessica Harrington-trained Bullock Harbour at the two furlong marker.

The 11/4 second favourite soon kicked clear and was easing up inside the final furlong to record a four-and-a-half length success. Priors Gold under Norman Williamson, came through to take second without ever looking like challenging. Donatis Comet and Joe Byrne were sent off 2/1 favourite but failed to make an impression back in fourth.

"No pushing or pulling there. That's the way I want it now," joked O'Dwyer on his return.

"The horse won very well. You won't see me again in the saddle unless it's on Bullock Harbour doing 12st 5lb."

The winner is set for a return to hurdles now with owner Barry Connell revealing:-

"Next stop is a 2m6f hurdle at Killarney. I wanted to try him on the Flat to get him handicapped with the Cesarewitch or the November Handicap as a target."

Each rider in the race was asked to collect sponsorship which will go towards the Arkle Memorial Statue Fund.

The fund has been established to build a statue of Arkle in his home town of Ashbourne, Co. Meath.

Lester Piggot was a special guest and was accompanied by Sean Magee who wrote Arkle: The Life and Legacy of Himself.

The race was sponsored by Foley's Antiques who have a substantial collection of Arkle memorabilia, including Pat Taaffe’s saddle, all of which was on display.