O'Connor guides Nelson to surprise win

The 68-rated Admiral Nelson who was once on a mark of 100, came out on top in a blanket finish to the Buy Tickets Online At www.corkracecourse.ie Handicap.

Successful on debut when trained by Aidan O'Brien and eighth when favourite for the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot, the Kingman bay subsequently lost his way.

After a brief stint with Ger Lyons, he finished last of 13 on debut for Johnny Levins at Dundalk in November, again failing to make an impact on his next six starts.

Sent off at 40/1 (touched 80s) this evening, the Jonny Hayes-owned five-year-old was settled behind the leaders in nearside group.

Pushed along by Donagh O'Connor over two furlongs out, he soon drifted towards the centre of the track, staying on best inside the final furlong, getting up to prevail by a neck.

The Jennifer Lynch-trained Dagoda (20/1) came home well to take second under Mark Enright, while Lady Arwen (10/1) and Capuchinero (14/1) were just a head and a head back in third and fourth respectively,

Returned the 15/2 favourite (25s early), Nyla Rua finished fourteenth on her debut for Jack Davison.

"He had a nice winter campaign, Katelyn Bailey was gaining experience on him and he was kept fit over the winter. We gave him a break and freshened him up," said Levins.

"I was very encouraged by his run at Gowran the last day. Donagh felt that seven is his trip, somewhere like here with a straight track and riding him handy from a nice draw.

"We were quite pleased when we saw this race. Unfortunately we couldn't go to Wetherby a couple of days ago because of travel problems but it worked out grand in the end.

"He's a fine strong horse, he was favourite once upon a time for the Coventry, for Aidan O'Brien. He just hasn't lived up to his name, he's not as tough as Admiral Nelson himself.

"He's a grand horse and we sweetened him up. It's great that he's got a win.

"He owed me that as he gave me a nasty kick putting him through stalls on Saturday morning. I'll forgive him for that now.

"It's great for Jonny Hayes, he's with me a good while now and has had a good few winners. He'll get a good kick out of that."

STEWARDS REPORTS

The Raceday Stewards interviewed D.W. O'Connor, rider of Admiral Nelson (GB), concerning his use of the whip in closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. D. W. O'Connor accepted that he was in breach of R10 and apologised for his actions. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards found D. W. O'Connor in breach of R.10.3(g)(frequency) and considered his record in this regard they cautioned him on this occasion.

D.W. O'Connor, rider of Admiral Nelson (GB), trained by J.F. Levins, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount lugged right under pressure.

J. Coen, rider of Dutch Glory trained by Ross O'Sullivan, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount jumped left from the stalls.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson