Search
Cheltenham 2024
- Main Site
- Cheltenham Home
- Cheltenham Cards
- Cheltenham Results
- Cheltenham Offers
- Cheltenham Odds
- Cheltenham Tips
- Cheltenham News
- Prestbury Cup
- Cheltenham Videos
-
Cheltenham Statistics
- Leading Trainer
- Leading Jockeys
- Leading Owners
- Previous Years
- Previous Appearances
- Breeding Profile of Winners
- Lady Jockeys at The Festival
- Leading Jockey Award Winners
- Most Successful Jockeys of All Time
- Current Jockeys Competing at Cheltenham
- Most Successful Jockey In..
- Leading Trainer Award Winners
- Most Successfull Trainer All Time
- Current Trainers Competing at Cheltenham
- Most Successful Trainer In..
- Cheltenham Trainer/Runner Index
- Desktop Site
Cheltenham 2024
- Home
- News
Alan Magee
O'Connor rides first winner for Halford on Alatar
Alatar (centre) and Donagh O'Connor are prominent racing away from the stands
© Photo Healy Racing
Alatar provided connections with compensation for the narrow defeat of Ediyva earlier on the card when taking the Roscommonracecourse.ie Apprentice Maiden in fine style.
Trained by Michael Halford for the Aga Khan, the son of Ruler Of The World was well-supported from 13/2 into 9/2 and was prominent throughout.
He drew clear inside the final furlong under Donagh O’Connor, partnering his first winner for the Halford yard, to score by four and a half lengths.
Pyramid Rock kept on one paced into second with 9/4 favourite Vultan another length adrift in third.
Halford said, “He hadn’t done a whole lot wrong and I probably shouldn’t have run him in Leopardstown the last day. The ground didn’t suit and he never got into it from a wide draw.
“He’d run well here earlier in the year and he’s tough and game. He stays well and has a good attitude. He loved it out in front and kept finding.
“I think he’s a horse that’s only going to get better and it’s nice to get a bracket for him.
“I feel sorry for Adam Farragher who would have ridden him but he’s suspended today. Donagh is very stylish and seems to have a good head on him. I’m delighted to give him a winner.”