Life's a beach for Glenbeigh based O'Connor

Glenbeigh based Ian O'Connor trained his first winner at Roscommon today as Like A Diamond landed the Leo Dolan Memorial Handicap Hurdle under jockey Kevin Brouder.

The eight year old gelding has had a colourful career thus far, which began with a well publicised late withdrawal from a flat maiden at Ballinrobe on debut in 2013, from which the Turf Club handed out disqualifications to Joey Logan, and Sharon Dunphy and a suspended suspension to Fabian Burke.

Today Like A Diamond was bridging a near four and a half year gap between wins, his previous one coming at Wolverhampton in February 2014, and was also gaining his first hurdles success today.

A delighted O'Connor later said “it's my first winner and I'm delighted to get it!

“He was third in Wexford on Friday night and I just entered him here in case there was a mishap or if he was placed and showed form. He was in very good form yesterday so we were confident enough coming today that he'd give a good account of himself.”

He added “I just can't believe it and it's hard to describe what it feels like and I've so many people to thank. My partner Natasha is not here today as she's at home minding our small lady and doing the rest of the yard.

“I only got my license this time last year and have had about seven runners. I train on the beach down in Glenbeigh beside Killarney and it's great to get it as they're not easy to get and we'll enjoy today!

“My uncle Philip (O'Connor, Like A Diamond's owner) trains as well and he had a winner at Listowel last September with Masons Daughter. He actually leased her out to the Blue Blood Syndicate and she's with Willie Mullins now - hopefully he might give me a few more to train now!”

“I just have three horses for the track - I've another horse Bere Haven who is entered in a handicap hurdle at Sligo on Sunday and I think he should produce a good run as well.”

Quotes from Gary Carson