Connor on cloud Nine with Planet

Stephen Connor partnered his first winner as Planet Nine made a successful debut in the bumper at Thurles.

Connor, who rides out every day for winning trainer Timmy Hyde and has one point-to-point winner to his name, was seen to good effect on the Flemensfirth gelding.

The full brother to four winners notably Noble Endeavor, who landed the valuable Paddy Power Chase at Leopardstown’s Christmas meeting, was backed from 12/1 into 8/1 earlier in the day and went off a 7/1 chance.

The five-year-old headed odds-on favourite Back Bar a furlong out and stayed on well to score by two and a quarter lengths, with Now McGinty rallying again close home to finish just a neck further back in third.

Hyde said, "He's a nice horse but took a while to come to himself.

"It's Stephen's first winner. He rides very well and gave him a lovely ride. Hopefully it will help him along now.

"I don't know what we'll do next - there are no plans."

(TW & AM)