The Connollys RED MILLS Amateur National For The Conyngham Cup is one of the most historic races in the calendar for amateur riders, and the history making Derek O’Connor landed it for the second successive year aboard Canaly

O’Connor won the 3m1f event on five-year-old Baie Des Iles 12 months ago but Canaly is certainly at the opposite end of the age spectrum at 12.

The son of Bob Back was friendless in the market at 16/1 but recorded an eighth career win as O’Connor produced him to lead at the last.

The Sandra Hughes-trained gelding stayed on well on the run-in to beat front-runner He Rock’s by four lengths, with 5/2 favourite Garrai Phaidin a further two and three quarter lengths back in third.

Hughes said, “That’s great. He’s back in business , not bad for an old boy. He ran very well in Limerick but now that he’s a little bit older he’s not quickening up. So we just thought we’d try him over this trip even though he hadn’t run over it in a long time.

“Derek gave him a super ride. He gave him a little bit of light out on a little bit better ground and he said he really enjoyed it.

“It’s lovely for the owner Mr Moore. He’s had so much patience as this horse has broken down twice. He’s given him the time to come back each time. It’s paid off today.

“Now that I know he does stay he has a lot more options. He probably needs the three miles now as he’s more comfortable going that pace.”

(GC & AM)