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John O'Riordan

John O'Riordan

Thecompanysergeant comes good on second start under rules

Fri 19th Aug 2022, 20:12

Thecompanysergeant and John Gleeson at Kilbeggan Thecompanysergeant and John Gleeson at Kilbeggan
© Photo Healy Racing

Thecompanysergeant found plenty for pressure to run out a gallant winner of the concluding John Thomas McNamara Series INH Flat Race at Kilbeggan.

Relatively unfancied on his racecourse debut at Galway last month, the five-year-old belied odds of 50-1 when staying on strongly to finish third in a competitive bumper.

That effort was a step forward from his sole point-to-point run, when managing only fourth of the six runners at Fairyhouse.

“I'm delighted with that. He had a lovely run in Galway, he stayed on and John gave him a lovely ride there and minded him,” said Hogan.

“I was a little bit worried that it had gone too quick for him today but to be fair they put plenty of water on it. I walked it and was happy enough.

“John gave him another lovely ride and I'm delighted for the owner Martin Cooney, it's his first horse with me.

“He ran well in a point-to-point but we put him away for a while and gave him a chance to develop.

“He should make a nice hurdler and will go with an ease in the ground.

“We might see what is in Listowel for him, there might be a winners bumper there. Martin will be going down there so we'll probably pitch him in there.”

Additional reporting by Gary Carson

About John O'Riordan
John has worked for the Press Association since 2022. He also writes a weekly column for The Irish Field and is a regular contributor to the Irish Racing Yearbook. He has previously written for the Racing Post, Irish Examiner and Irish Daily Mirror. He has been involved in racing for over three decades; having experience as a syndicate member, sole owner and breeder.