39/1 Dundalk brace for McConnell

Narrowly denied in the first split of the BetVictor Run For Your Money Handicap with Happaugue John McConnell doubled his score on the night in the second division as Blackstone Cliff won for the County Meath-based handler at Dundalk.

Like Turf Range half an hour earlier, Blackstone Cliff is by Canford Cliffs and he rounded off what had previously been a frustrating evening for Shane Foley in ideal fashion.

Jockey’s championship runner-up Foley had three seconds earlier, and he was here combining with the right man as McConnell had sent out Magi Gal to win the 6.30 contest under Siobhan Rutledge.

After the James Wallace owned and bred Blackstone Cliff defeated Persian Lion by three and a quarter lengths McConnell said: “He's another tricky horse, he can be keen and if he gets a run on you at all he wastes his own energy.

“Shane gave him a lovely ride and got him switched off. He said he still had a go at him in the early part of the race but he got switched off and got on to the backs of the leaders when they slowed it down.

“He won well and is a nice horse. He'll probably jump hurdles too and is one to look forward to.

“We'll get him out again here and hopefully the handicapper isn't too hard on us.

“He has a turn of foot over that trip but if he doesn't settle he hasn't got it.”

O.J. Orr, rider of No Trouble trained by Noel C. Kelly, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount hung left.

N.G. McCullagh, rider of Coolbawn Magic trained by J.F. O'Shea, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount lost its action in the straight.

(GC & EM)