O'Connor celebrates first treble at Cork

Donagh O'Connor had a night to remember at Cork tonight, completing a treble on Fennor Cross in the concluding ten furlong handicap.

He had also teamed up with John McConnell to land the opener with Hernes Hill and the Stamullen handler bagged a first and last race double with this Elzaam gelding on his seasonal debut.

O'Connor produced the 9/2 second favourite with a strong charge inside the final furlong and he got the better of Miss Cunning close home to record a half length success.

The winner was recording his third career victory having scored twice last season.

"I was coming here with one or two shouts but to have a treble, my first one, is great,” said the winning rider.

"There was plenty of pace early on so I was happy enough to bide my time. He switched off and sliced through them fairly quick but when he got there, he just barely did enough.

"He is a grand horse who improved all throughout last season and brought it again to this season. Andy O'Brien, who part owns him with the syndicate, loves the game so it is great for him.

"I was denied a treble a couple of years ago by a head so this is nice to get."

(Quotes by Tom Weekes)