O'Connor guides Thunder to victory in deteriorating conditions at Limerick In deteriorating conditions, the Denis Hogan-trained God Of Thunder led home nine rivals in the concluding Racing Again On 12th July Handicap. Providing promising apprentice Dylan O'Connor with a fourth career success, all of which have come for Hogan, the six-year-old victor was well-supported from 9s to 5s before the off. Campaigned over flights in recent times and successful at this venue in April, the Tagula bay travelled strongly on the outer entering the straight and improved to lead with less than two furlongs to go. Increasing his advantage when ridden, he ultimately came home four-and-a-quarter lengths to the good, with Barrogstown Girl (15/8), who unseated Ronan Whelan on the way to the start, filling the runner-up spot. There was another length-and-three-quarters back to Burren Song (15/2 from 11s) in third, while Junkyard Dog (7/4 favourite) could only manage a disappointing fifth. "They went a bit too slow for him early and I was always bringing him back but I got a lovely run down the outside coming into the home straight and he did it well," O'Connor remarked. "He impressively won a maiden hurdle here and hopefully he can progress on the Flat now." STEWARDS REPORT * Prior to this race the IHRB Clerk of the Clourse changed the going to good to yielding. * C. Geerdharry, rider of Glory Sky, trained by Ray Hackett, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount hung right throughout. Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
