Sarah O'Brien after recording her first success at the Curragh last year© Photo Healy Racing
El Salvador got back to winning ways as he took the last at Bellewstown this evening, the Eva-Tec Ltd Qualified Riders Race, scoring under Sarah O’Brien for her father Aidan and mother Annemarie (owner).
The five-year-old son of Galileo finished a good second behind Pique Sous in the Queen Alexandra at Royal Ascot last month before finishing last of seven in the Group Three Curragh Cup last weekend.
Having opened at 4/5 this morning he proved easy to back on-course going from evens to 5/4 and favourite at the off.
After racing mainly in third the chestnut victor was ridden to close under three furlongs out and he soon improved into second.
He hit the front a furlong from home and he kept on well from there to score by three lengths at the line. Orgilgo Bay who attempted to make all, finished second under Thomas Reilly for John McConnell at 9/2, while the well-backed Digeanta (5/2 to 7/4) could only manage a disappointing third for Patrick and Willie Mullins.
Sarah O’Brien, who was riding the entire for the first time this evening, said afterwards: "He was very good and he did it comfortably.
"He travelled nicely and he had plenty left. He is a little bit lazy but he is real tough and he goes on any ground or trip."
Additional reporting by Michael Graham
