Jockey Matt O'Connor provided Irish racing with the cheerful winner it needed at Fairyhouse today, with the jockey, who cheated death in a fall at Thurles less than a year ago, partnering his first winner since his return to the saddle, on Kimberlite King in the 20% Online Discount Beginners Chase.
Kimberlite King (4/5f) tracked the leaders and moved to the front at the second last fence, eventually staying on for a comfortable five lengths win over Errit Lake.
Racing braced itself for the worst news following O'Connor's fall from Walkin Aisy at Thurles on March 26 but the 21yo jockey, who suffered serious head injuries in the fall, overcome all odds when making his return to the saddle last September.
Following Kimberlite King's win, a delighted O'Connor stated “I'm 110% relieved to have finally had a winner again - I must have had ten seconds since my return and I came here today wondering which horse would beat us!”
He added “it was very tough getting back into the swing of race-riding again when I returned and it was only after Christmas that I began to feel right within myself. I have to thank my family, the people who helped my recovery in Cork hospital and Dunlaoighaire Rehabilitation Centre, Colm Murphy (trainer of Kimberlite King) and the horse's owners who have stayed very loyal to me. I'm just so glad to have had this winner!”
Regarding Kimberlite King, winning trainer Colm Murphy added “heavy ground is the key to him and, while we'll have to wait and see what the handicapper does with him, he probably isn't good enough to run in the better novice chases and may go handicapping now.”
