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- O'Connor completes 34/1 double at Wexford
Alan Magee
O'Connor completes 34/1 double at Wexford
Brogine and Mike O'Connor lead over the last
© Photo Healy Racing
Mike O’Connor completed a 34/1 double at Wexford with a chance spare ride aboard Brogine in the Tuskar Handicap Chase.
Cathal Landers was stood down after a fall earlier in the day and O’Connor took full advantage of his opportunity following up on the success of Cavalry Master in the previous novice chase.
The Seamus Braddish-trained mare was struggling in rear for much of this three miles and one furlong event but gradually got into it inside the final mile.
The front-running Rudy Catrail ran out when still holding a three lengths advantage five out leaving Shawshank in the lead. The latter was still in front when making a mistake two out and Brogine soon took over.
The 9/1 shot kept on well for O’Connor, partnering his second double in the space of five days, to beat Wake Up Early by a length and three quarters with Champions Hill another three and a quarter lengths away in third.
Braddish said, "She is exceptionally tough. She is not able to stay with them early and she takes her time. The trip today is what won it for her with the ground being reasonably good as well. She likes good ground and needs the trip to allow herself time to get into the race.
"It's a pity that Cathal wasn't able to ride her but fair play to Mike, he gave her a great ride. He kept her well out wide where the better ground was. We are delighted with her.
"I'm not sure where she will go now, it'll depend on what comes up over three miles. That six wins for her now and six seconds. I only have two in at the moment and I'm only a hobby trainer."
(DM & AM)