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O'Connor rides first winner for Halford on Alatar

Alatar (centre) and Donagh O'Connor are prominent racing away from the standsAlatar (centre) and Donagh O'Connor are prominent racing away from the stands
© Photo Healy Racing

Alatar provided connections with compensation for the narrow defeat of Ediyva earlier on the card when taking the Roscommonracecourse.ie Apprentice Maiden in fine style.

Trained by Michael Halford for the Aga Khan, the son of Ruler Of The World was well-supported from 13/2 into 9/2 and was prominent throughout.

He drew clear inside the final furlong under Donagh O’Connor, partnering his first winner for the Halford yard, to score by four and a half lengths.

Pyramid Rock kept on one paced into second with 9/4 favourite Vultan another length adrift in third.

Halford said, “He hadn’t done a whole lot wrong and I probably shouldn’t have run him in Leopardstown the last day. The ground didn’t suit and he never got into it from a wide draw.

“He’d run well here earlier in the year and he’s tough and game. He stays well and has a good attitude. He loved it out in front and kept finding.

“I think he’s a horse that’s only going to get better and it’s nice to get a bracket for him.

“I feel sorry for Adam Farragher who would have ridden him but he’s suspended today. Donagh is very stylish and seems to have a good head on him. I’m delighted to give him a winner.”

1st
9/2
Tote €5.60 €1.90
2nd
4.5L
12/1
€3.90
3rd
1L
9/4Fav
€1.40
4th
hd
6/1
About Alan Magee
Alan has worked in the racing industry for well over 30 years including with the Sporting Life, Turform and Irish Racing Services. He took up his current role as Irish Racing Team Leader with the Press Association in 2013. He has a keen interest in most sports and plays golf.