Champion of the southern region in the pony racing sphere last term, Curraglass County Cork native Mike O'Connor rode his first winner on the track when bringing home Gottardo in front in the Dundalk Stadium Handicap.

This three-year-old five furlong sprint was a triumph for the handicapper as about two and a quarter lengths split the first five home.

Bred by the executors of the late Lucy Stack, the Choisir gelding, owned by Peter Piller with Mrs Magnier and Mrs Stack, held Rapid Reaction by a neck.

"That was very good and it's great to get off the mark at the start of the season," said O'Connor after scoring on Fozzy Stack's charge.

"He travelled very well and everything went his way. When I him a squeeze he quickened and stayed at it, he helped me a lot.

"I'm from a small village called Curraglass in County Cork. I turned 16 in September and signed on with Fozzy at the end of last season. He has been very good to me and treated me like family.

"I was champion pony rider for the south region last year. I have to thank my father and also Jerry Daly down in Newmarket in County Cork."

J.A. Heffernan, rider of Rapid Reaction, trained by J.F.Grogan, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount ran very green in the straight.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Lady Sandy at the request of trainer, Aidan F. Fogarty, and reported the animal to be post race normal.

The Stewards enquired into an incident in the closing stages of this race involving Early Call ridden by G.F. Carroll, placed fourth and Rapid Reaction, ridden by J.A. Heffernan, placed second, where it appeared that Rapid Reaction drifted to the right and carried Early Call off a straight course.

Evidence was heard from the riders concerned.

Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards made no alteration to the Judges placings' and took no further action.

S. Foley, rider of Suzy's Company trained by A. Oliver, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount leaned right during this race.

(GC & EM)