Hall of Fame rider John Velazquez was the star attraction at Naas on Wednesday evening, where his first ever ride on Irish soil, De Janeiro, finished fifth in the Tinnakill House Maiden.

An undoubted all-time great of the saddle, Velazquez, 52, has won the Kentucky Derby three times, the Preakness once and the Belmont twice. The 52-year-old also has four wins at Royal Ascot to his name, most recently Crimson Advocate in last year’s Queen Mary Stakes.