FORMER champion apprentice Connor King registered the first winner of his training career as Oscars Brother landed the Listed Irish EBF Novice Hurdle.

Ridden by Daniel King, the 5/1 chance led five out, going on to win by two lengths for owners Mak King Racing Syndicate.

Connor King said: “I’m delighted to have got off the mark and for everyone involved and the horse got a great ride from Dan. It is my home track as I’m from 15 minutes out the road although I’m based in Golden, Co Tipperary.

“I did the trainers’ course around Cheltenham time this year. I have three riding out but just him to run until Christmas time. I’ll concentrate on my own horses for the time being and see how it goes.

He added: “This horse is a novice until December so things will get tough for him although whatever he does over hurdles is a bonus as he will be a good chaser.

“I might look at a three-mile handicap hurdle around Christmas but today had been his target for a while. I found the race hard to watch as I was nervous and think it is easier to ride them – I’ll leave that to Dan as he is doing a good job.”

Big success

Shane Broderick enjoyed one of his biggest days since taking out a licence when Sphagnum won the Listed Paddy Power Cork Grand National Handicap Chase.

Sent off 8/1 under Dillon Maxwell, the Peat Moss Syndicate-owned gelding just held the late burst of Positive Thinker by a short-head.

Winning rider Maxwell said: “The plan was to get a lead until maybe the second-last or last so the line wasn’t coming quick enough!

“We always knew he’d stay as he loves the trip and the longer the trip the better, he’ll stay all day long.

“He disappointed the last day but had infection in his lungs so had an excuse and he was right for today. He made one slight mistake but winged almost everything.

“It was good for Shane (Broderick) who is nice to me and while he only has a small team of horses, puts me up on anything he has. The lads in the yard are sound and do well with the few horses they have.”

GORGEOUS Tom won the Grade 3 Irish EBF Novice Chase for Henry de Bromhead and Darragh O’Keeffe.

Owned by Envirogreen Housing Services Ltd, the 13/8 favourite stayed on strongly to score by five and a half lengths.

De Bromhead reported: “Obviously he had a mishap (when falling) in Tipperary which was frustrating but he was back on track there and Darragh was brilliant on him.

“He came well recommended and while he wasn’t a bad hurdler, we hoped he’d step forward for a fence. There is the Drinmore for him so we’ll see and enjoy today.”

De Bromhead and O’Keeffe were completing a double having won the opening maiden hurdle with Jane Eire.

Owned by the Hooves And Heels Syndicate, the 4/6 favourite went clear from two out to win by eight and a half lengths.

Henry de Bromhead said: “She is a lovely mare who is progressing well and Peter Molony found her for Sarah (his wife) and the syndicate, so I’m delighted for them. She was good, did it really well and Darragh was brilliant on her.

“She jumped great bar the third last and it was all good. She has been in quite a while so I might give her a break now and look towards the spring, when there are so many nice races.

“I’m a dreamer and you never know about going to Cheltenham but we’ll see what everyone wants to do, as she was impressive there. She travels so that can get you a long way in a good race and we have her for fun.”

BERNARD Martin Crowley enjoyed a red letter day when sending out his first track winner as Burru claimed the E. Tarrant & Sons Banteer Handicap Hurdle.

Ridden by Tiernan Power Roche, the 13/2 chance came home three and three-quarter lengths in front for owner Martin Kiely.

Winning trainer Crowley said: “He has been running well all summer, had a couple of decent runs and had been knocking on the door.

“He had a good run the last day in Galway when Rachael Blackmore rode him and two and a half miles on good ground around here, was made for him.

He won’t run on winter ground so that’s it for him now and he isn’t clipped.”

He added “I’ve had nine point to point winners and that’s my first track winner. I am based in Kilmeadan, I have 12 in and do pre-training but only have two or three for the track.

“I did a bit of point-to-point riding but wasn’t very good although rode a winner one day in Limerick. My father is in hospital so this win is for him.”

Profitable week

Sam Ewing rode his sixth winner of the week as Blue Mosque landed the mares maiden hurdle for trainer Noel Meade.

Sent off 15/2, the High Spirits Racing Club-owned filly won by five and a half lengths.

Ewing, who leads the jockeys’ championship by nine from Paul Townend (39-31), reported: “Blue Mosque works very well and everyone at home thought she was nice.

“She was plenty green today so I think you’ll see a big step forward from her. She could step back to two miles no problem either and is an exciting filly.”

Legend

Jake Peter stayed on best under Phillip Enright to win the Paddy Power handicap hurdle for trainer Mark Cahill.

Carrying the colours of Frank McNulty, the 10/1 chance beat Rebel Gold by three and three-quarter lengths.

Winning trainer Cahill said: “He is a legend, a right little horse and the one thing with him is he will give you everything every day.

“I was thinking of leaving him out after his win the last day but the oul weather has been kind to us so we chanced keeping him going and it has paid off.

“We’ll get him home now and see what the forecast is so I wouldn’t rule out running him again.

“We have a few other horses ready to run but they are waiting for soft ground.”