O'Connor rides first winner for Halford on Alatar Alatar provided connections with compensation for the narrow defeat of Ediyva earlier on the card when taking the Roscommonracecourse.ie Apprentice Maiden in fine style. Trained by Michael Halford for the Aga Khan, the son of Ruler Of The World was well-supported from 13/2 into 9/2 and was prominent throughout. He drew clear inside the final furlong under Donagh O’Connor, partnering his first winner for the Halford yard, to score by four and a half lengths. Pyramid Rock kept on one paced into second with 9/4 favourite Vultan another length adrift in third. Halford said, “He hadn’t done a whole lot wrong and I probably shouldn’t have run him in Leopardstown the last day. The ground didn’t suit and he never got into it from a wide draw. “He’d run well here earlier in the year and he’s tough and game. He stays well and has a good attitude. He loved it out in front and kept finding. “I think he’s a horse that’s only going to get better and it’s nice to get a bracket for him. “I feel sorry for Adam Farragher who would have ridden him but he’s suspended today. Donagh is very stylish and seems to have a good head on him. I’m delighted to give him a winner.”
