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John O'Riordan

John O'Riordan

Peckham springs back to form under O'Hanlon

Sat 11th Jun 2022, 14:35

Peckham Springs wins for Paddy O'Hanlon Peckham Springs wins for Paddy O'Hanlon
© Photo Healy Racing

The Irish Grand National winning team of Dermot McLoughlin and Paddy O'Hanlon combined with Peckham Springs to take the Steel Lintels Ireland Ltd 10th Anniversary Opportunity Handicap Hurdle at Downpatrick.

A winner of a 3Y0 hurdle at Fairyhouse for previous connections, the now five-year-old had been out of form for some time but looked a different proposition here in first-time cheekpieces.

A whole host of horses held chances on the run to the final flight but as soon as O'Hanlon asked his mount to quicken, the horse shot clear of his toiling rivals.

On the evidence of this performance, the son of Gale Force Ten could be capable of following up now that he has regained confidence.

Dermot McLoughlin said: "He did it well in first-time cheekpieces. I think that is the first time he has travelled. He would run in snatches and drop himself out when it suits him. Maybe the cheekpieces lit him up a bit.

"Paddy (O'Hanlon) said he travelled all the way there and jumped well. He said he had the race put to bed at the second last. He had plenty of horse under him.

"He'll keep going for the summer, he wants good ground. We'll see can we win another with him."

Additional reporting by Michael Graham

About John O'Riordan
John has worked for the Press Association since 2022. He also writes a weekly column for The Irish Field and is a regular contributor to the Irish Racing Yearbook. He has previously written for the Racing Post, Irish Examiner and Irish Daily Mirror. He has been involved in racing for over three decades; having experience as a syndicate member, sole owner and breeder.