Navy and white silks Billy Lee wins on the chestnut, Jon Ess© Photo Healy Racing
Gold Cup day has been a special time in the past for Conor O'Dwyer after his wins on Imperial Call in 1996 and War Of Attrition in 2006. Tonight he trained the winner of the finale at Dundalk, Jon Ess (4/5) in the At The Races Handicap.
That tells only part of the story though because Trump Card also passed the post in first place for the O'Dwyer stable in the 6.30 event. He lost that race in the steward's room.
Billy Lee was aboard that fellow, and he also steered Jon Ess, the three parts of a length victor from Reckless Lad
"He's an unbelievably consistent horse. I won't say he was unlucky the last night but the 6lb made a difference and Billy is unbelievably confident on him," said O'Dwyer.
"He loves it up here but I don't think he'll be too bad on the turf either."
In reference to the earlier demotion O'Dwyer reflected: "I think the best horse won on the night but that's racing. I don't know if we are going to appeal. I'll have a good look at it when I get home and we'll have a think about it."
(AM & EM)
