I'm Not Alone and Shane Fitzgerald© Photo Healy Racing
Trainer Conor O'Dwyer returned from a quiet spell at Tipperary today as the trainer provided jockey Shane Fitzgerald with the middle-leg of a treble, on I'm Not Alone (16/1) in the Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Chase (div II).
The daughter of Yeats hadn't run since December and returned today, winning pulling-up under 7lbs claimer Fitzgerald, who was riding his first winner for owner J.P. McManus.
O'Dwyer later commented “we had aspergillus six weeks ago and we got clear results two weeks ago. She is our third runner and they seem to be back in form and I'm delighted with her.
“She is well handicapped and the ground is unbelievable in fairness to Andrew (Hogan, racecourse manager) and the team — they have done an amazing job for the weather that's in it.
“We'll stick to those type of chases, things happen a bit quick for her over hurdles and hopefully she'll nick another one.”
I'm Not Alone's previous win was at Wexford last September when beating Avec Espoir into second, with that Val O'Brien trained horse winning the half-hour earlier opening divide of the Adare Manor-sponsored race, for jockey Fitzgerald.
The 7lbs claiming jockey subsequently completed a first career treble on Gigginstown's Forged In Fire in the 4.05pm novice chase.
