King & Maundy are perfect partners

Connor King is proving to be the perfect partner for Maundy Money and after scoring aboard the David Marnane trained ten-year-old at Roscommon this day last week, he again partnered the gelding to victory in the O’Keeffe’s Marquee Hire Rathmore Handicap.

The son of King’s Best went close on a couple of occasions earlier in the year and he deservedly got his head in front at Roscommon last Monday.

Given nine pounds for that success, he was sent off the 9/2 co favourite of four, after drifting from his opening show on-course of 7/2.

Third at the halfway stage, he improved to lead before the straight and travelled best from over two furlongs out.

He was ridden over a furlong from home and he kept on well in the closing stages to score by a length and three parts. Slim Chance (9/2cfav) finished in second under Ross Coakley for Denis Cullen, while Castle Bar Sling (7/1) was a further half a length back in third under Colin Keane for his father Ger. The Ring Is King and Surreal were the other two co-favourites and they finished fourth and seventh respectively.

David Marnane, who also tasted success at Fairyhouse yesterday with Boom The Groom, said afterwards: "What can you say about him? He is a legend.

"The handicapper gave him nine pounds (for his win at Roscommon) but in fairness more often than not he is right.

"He’ll go back to Galway now for the sixth year in-a-row and I think he was probably idling a bit in front.

"Connor is riding out of his skin and he is great value for his claim."

Maundy Money, who was recording his ninth career success this evening, is owned by the Killarney based Push The Button Syndicate.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee