Perseverance pays off for O'Connor on Almuhit

Denis Hogan and Derek O'Connor broke new ground together with the success of Almuhit in the Qualified Riders' race at Killarney.

The field was reduced to five runners as M C Muldoon was withdrawn for refusing to load.

O'Connor had never ridden a racecourse winner for Hogan and this was just his second racecourse ride for the trainer.

There must have been in-running carnage on the 'machine' as Almuhit looked to be toiling in fourth over a furlong from home, with ground to make up on the three horses in front of him.

However, O'Connor kept at it on him and the four-year-old son of Sea The Stars cut right into the deficit in the final 150 yards.

Nothing was finishing as strongly as him and he ran on well to claim Minella Mate in the final strides.

The 13/2 chance got up by half a length from the 5/1 runner-up.

O'Connor said: "There is lots of ability there, but things just have to happen for him. He is able to dominate his position in a race and he actually has a turn of foot. The leaders quickened and then we quickened secondly and it suited well.

"I think Denis (Hogan) has the Cesarewitch in mind for him.

"I have ridden point to point winners for Denis, but haven't ridden much for him on the racecourse."

Additional reporting by Tom Weekes