Mr Derek O'Connor

His overall record bears that out. Since 2021 he has ridden 59 career winners, and in the last twelve months alone he has won 10 races from 70 rides — roughly 1 in every 7, or 14%. That is a solid, professional return, the kind of consistency that keeps a jockey in demand and trainers calling back.

One place where O'Connor clearly feels at home is Punchestown. He has sent out 3 winners from 13 rides there, which works out at almost 1 in every 4 — significantly better than his overall rate. Tracks develop their own rhythms, their own turns and gradients, and jockeys who learn to read a course tend to win there more often than the numbers suggest they should. Punchestown looks like that kind of place for him.

He also seems to sharpen up when the ground gets heavy. On wet, muddy ground he has won 2 races from just 7 rides — nearly 1 in every 3, or 29%. That is almost double his usual rate, which suggests he rides differently when the mud is flying: more patient, perhaps, or more willing to conserve his horse's energy for a late surge. Whatever the reason, the numbers make a compelling case for keeping an eye on him when the rain comes down.

One partnership that has not clicked yet is with Keep On Dreaming. Three races together and no wins between them — which, given O'Connor's record elsewhere, is more of a puzzle than a pattern. Sometimes a horse and jockey simply haven't found their rhythm yet, and three runs is not a long story. That one remains unfinished.