O’Dwyer rolls back the years on Bullock Harbour

On an evening when Barry Geraghty completed a superb treble in the opening three races, it was Conor O’Dwyer who earned the plaudits when guiding the Jessica Harrington trained Bullock Harbour to a convincing victory in the ‘Legends’ race, the Foleys Antiques Supple Arkle Statue Maiden.

O’Dwyer, hero of two Cheltenham Gold Cups and two Champion Hurdles during his riding career, emerged best in the ten-runner affair organised as a fund-raiser for the erection of a statue of the legendary Arkle in nearby Ashbourne. The inimitable Lester Piggott was present to witness the event.

Adrian Maguire set a strong pace on Teak, allowing O’Dwyer to sit in a handy second position before making his move with more than a quarter of a mile to race. Bullock Harbour, in the colours of Barry Connell, readily forged clear to score by four and a half lengths from the gambled-on Priors Gold (6/1 — 7/2), the mount of Norman Williamson, coming through to fill the runner-up berth.