Connor hit with 14-day ban for mistaking winning post
By Racing TV
Last Updated: Sun 1 Feb 2026
There was a dramatic conclusion to the Coolmore N.H. Sires Los Angeles Irish EBF Mares I.N.H. Flat Race with amateur rider Stephen Connor given a 14-day suspension after mistaking the winning post on Royal Hillsborough, allowing Moonverrin to get back up and win.
Martin Hassett’s 20-1 shot Moonverrin looked set to secure an authoritative success in the Grade Two finale after being pushed into the lead by Finian Maguire, but soon began to wander under pressure.
Royal Hillsborough, a 9-1 chance trained by Stuart Crawford, was able to close the gap and edged to the front inside the final furlong, but Connor stopped riding passing the 50-yard marker, giving Moonverrin another bite of the cherry and she was able to get back up and score by a short head.
Winning train Hassett said: “I’m speechless, it’s the first time ever!
“This is for all the lads at home. It’s not just me, it’s all the boys at home.
“It looked down the back like she was struggling but she just devoured the ground and came home like a train, but she had to battle at the same time.
“It’s our first graded winner and it’s special, especially at the Dublin Racing Festival.
“She’s going to be entered in everything but whether we go to Cheltenham or wait for the mares’ races, we’ll see.”
Related posts
Cecil filly among 10 in Nassau
Bind breezes to victory
Chris Dixon's Notes And Angles: Stay with Alnajeeb
Beheshtam camp reveal ground fears
Alan in Ascot frame
Todays top offer
Get 1,000,000 Free Spins on J Cole
T&Cs Apply
Featured offers
Bet £20 Get £40 in free bets with BetVictor
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Bet £10 get £40 in Free Bets with Midnite
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Bet £10 & Get £30 in free bets
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Bet £10 get £40 in Free Bets
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Bet £10 get £40 in Free Bets
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Copyright 2026 Racing TV - All Rights Reserved.
Please bet responsibly
Copyright 2026. All rights reserved