Donal Murphy
First win for Condron as McGuinness doubles-up
Pivot Bridge comes home in front under Nathan Condron
© Photo Healy Racing
Pivot Bridge bounced back to his best in the concluding 32Red.com Qualified Riders Race, providing rider Nathan Condron with his first success in the saddle.
The winning ten-year-old was also completing a double on the card for trainer Adrian McGuinness, who was on the mark earlier with Rivellino
Settled towards rear, the chestnut victor took closer order on the approach to the straight. He was ridden to the front over a furlong out, and kept on well from there, going on to score by two lengths. Uncle Henry who was sent off the 6/4 favourite, finished second under Tom Hamilton for Joseph O'Brien, while I'm Waiting (33/1) was another four and a half lengths back in third for Sean O'Keeffe and Anthony McCann.
Condron, who is twenty-one and from Donnycarney in Co Dublin, said afterwards: "It's my first winner. I had three rides three years ago for George Kingston.
"Ado has done nothing but help me the whole way. I took a bit of the break and was in the army for a while.
"I started off with Ado when I was only a kid and went back there. He took me back and he's always believed in me. I'm just grateful for the ride."
McGuinness added: "I thought he'd win a couple of weeks ago over a mile-and-a-half as he was working super. He maybe just needed a trip and stayed at it well tonight.
"It's Nathan's first ride for me. I didn't want too much pressure on him but he gave him a great ride and I was delighted for him.
"Nathan has just started with me. It's a great start for him and he's a good kid to ride so hopefully there will be a future for him.
"It's great for Dan Daly (owner). We were nearly going to finish with the horse but he's working well at home."
STEWARDS REPORTS
The Stewards fined Paul Hennessy, trainer, E350 for failing to lodge the passport in respect of Pillard (FR), in accordance with the provisions of Rule 90. The Stewards ordered the withdrawal of Pillard (FR).
The Stewards enquired into an incident in the early stages of this race involving Uncle Henry, ridden by Mr T. Hamilton, All's Quiet ridden by Mr R. Deegan, and Paddy The Celeb ridden by Mr E. Halford, where it appeared that interference may have occurred. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that Mr. T. Hamilton was in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden carelessly. Having considered his previous good record in this regard, the Stewards suspended Mr. T. Hamilton for 3 racedays. Furthermore the Stewards reminded Mr. Hamilton of the need to give accurate evidence in the future.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson