O’Connor claims Amateur National again on Show Showurappreciation bounded clear on the run-in to claim the Sky Bet Amateur National at Punchestown in impressive fashion. The Jonathan Sweeney-trained gelding had been third on his first start in handicap company over fences at Navan last month and went to post a 5/1 today under leading amateur Derek O’Connor. He was held up in the early stages of the two-mile-six contest before making his move turning for home. The Mastercraftsman gelding pressed the front-running Bigbraveboy over the second-last and went on running down to the last. He popped that fence and was soon in control as he went on to post an easy five-and-a-half length success. Ney stayed on to finish second without troubling the winner. Derek O’Connor secures fifth Amateur National win Sweeney, who trains the winner for JP McManus, said:- “Derek was very good. He does it time and time again. He’s top class. “Today was kind of the plan and we’ll take it from here. We’ll have a chat with Frank (Berry) and see what he says to the boss. “He jumps well and is a staying chaser. You’d be delighted with him. Staying chaser relishes soft conditions “You wouldn’t be running him on very quick ground. Keep the rain coming!” It was a fifth success in the race for Derek O’Connor. (Quotes by Alan Magee)
