POINT-TO-POINT: O'Connor the record breaker 04 January 2019 Premium

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Katie Gorman on 04 Jan 2019

POINT-TO-POINT: O'Connor the record breaker

One of the sports most outstanding amateur riders, Derek O'Connor recorded his 1,200th winner at Dromahane on Sunday

Katie Gorman on 04 Jan 2019

Derek O'Connor (Photo HEALY RACING)

Free Run and Jamie Codd (Right) get the better of Breezy Kin and Derek O'Connor at Rathcnnon in 2013 (Photo HEALY RACING)

Derek O'Connor and Reine Des Pres at Lemonfield last year. Photo Healy Racing

Derek O'Connor and Aoibhe's Beau parting company at Borris last year. Both horse and jockey were okay after the fall. Photo Healy Racing

Jamie Codd and Derek O'Connor in deep conversation at Tyrella. Photo Healy Racing

Derek O'Connor (centre) won ride of the year at the 2018 HRI Awards for his ride on Edwulf with Ruby Walsh (left) and Johnny Murtagh. Photo Chris Bellew /Fennell Photography.

The Unibet Irish Gold Cup Derek O'Connor celebrates on Edwulf at Leopardstown. Mandatory Credit INPHO/Morgan Treacy

Derek O'Connor hugs trainer Joseph O'Brien with owner J.P. McManus following their win in the Unibet Irish Gold Cup. Photo Healy Racing

Annabelle, Jessica and Abbie with Carol and Derek O'Connor at Dromahane. Photo Healy Racing

Paurick and Derek O'Connor pictured at Loughanmore following Getaway Honey's win in the mares' maiden race. Photo Healy Racing

Derek O'Connor with wife Carol following his win on Zero Ten at Galway. Photo Healy Racing.

Owner Peggy Hagan with Derek O'Connor after her Chosen Dream won the open lightweight race at Loughanmore in 2015 .Photo Healy Racing

Derek O'Connor reached another milestone after the success of Vintage Krug his 700th point to point winner. PHOTO HEALY RACING

Derek O'Connor with the trophy after Minnella Rocco at Cheltenham in 2016 . Photo HEALY RACING.

A lucky escape after parting company with Edwulf Photo HEALY RACING.

Derek O'Connor, Champion Rider at the Point-to-Point awards in 2015. Photo HEALY RACING.

DEREK O’Connor achieved a feat on Sunday that is unlikely to be equalled in most of our lifetimes.

Eleven months ago O’Connor became the first point-to-point rider to reach the 1,100 winner mark and on Sunday he broke his own record.

2018 was a brilliant year for O’Connor, from his award-winning ride on Edwulf in the Unibet Irish Gold Cup at Leopardstown to his 1,200th winner at Dromahane last Sunday.

His 1,200th winner comes over 18 years after his first point-to-point success.

P2P awards: 39

Leading Rider: 2015, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004

Novice (Under-21): 2003, 2002

Senior (Over-33): 2018

North: 2012, 2010, 2009, 2007, 2006, 2005

West: 2018-2009

South: 2018, 2015, 2014, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2007, 2006, 2004

Best Season: 2008/09 with 113 winners (an all-time record for a single season)

Milestone winners

100th winner Regal Son

200th winner Royal Ranger

300th winner The Box Player

400th winner Kaitlins Fancy

500th winner Isle Of Celts

600th winner Carrigerry

700th winner Vintage Krug

800th winner Takemetotheisland

900th winner Fiddlers Way

1,000th winner Death Duty

1,100th winner Staker Wallace

1,200th winner Nelly’s Money

Derek O'Connor