The most telling subplot is his partnership with Park Rules, a horse he has turned to eight times without success. Eight races together and no wins is a frustrating record, but it also speaks to a trainer willing to keep faith — whether that loyalty reflects belief in the horse, limited options, or a bit of both is a question only O'Connor can answer.
There is not much to soften the picture at this stage. Zero winners from 24 runners this season means he has not yet found the combination of horse, track, and conditions that clicks. Every trainer goes through lean spells, and four years in is still early enough for the tide to turn — but the clock is ticking, and a first winner, when it comes, will be genuinely hard earned.
| Course | Races | Wins | Win rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Killarney | 6 | 0 | 0% |
| Cork | 5 | 0 | 0% |
| Listowel | 3 | 0 | 0% |
| Clonmel | 2 | 0 | 0% |
| Tipperary | 2 | 0 | 0% |
| Galway | 2 | 0 | 0% |
| Dundalk | 2 | 0 | 0% |
| Naas | 1 | 0 | 0% |
| Thurles | 1 | 0 | 0% |