AINE O’Connor was very good on Drumcliff in the amateur riders’ handicap chase at Ascot on Saturday.

JP McManus’ horse made a slight mistake at the first fence, he just landed a little steeply, but O’Connor quickly got him into a nice racing rhythm after that, and his jumping was very good for one so inexperienced.

The rider kept her horse wide, wisely, probably on the better ground and with room at his fences, she allowed his jumping take him into the race.

They were probably left in front a little earlier than ideal, as both Crievehill and Flaming Charmer made mistakes at the final open ditch, the fourth last fence, but it didn’t really matter. O’Connor didn’t panic, she allowed her horse move easily into the home straight in front, and she didn’t really go for him until after they had jumped the last clear.

Drumcliff is now two for two over fences. The Harry Fry-trained gelding promised lots as a hurdler, he didn’t have a lot of luck on occasion, but his future always lay over fences anyway. He was raised 12lbs for Saturday’s win, but he is only seven and he should be able to continue to improve over fences.

For Aine O’Connor, she has now had two rides for her brother-in-law Harry Fry since she moved to England to join him last year – Litterale Ci, also owned by JP McManus, in a lady amateur riders’ handicap hurdle at Ludlow just before Christmas was the other – and she has won on both.

She should get more opportunities now, and she is good value for her 3lb claim.