Cillian McConnell rides third winner

John McConnell completed a quick double when Kartayaz (16/1) landed the first division of the extended ten-furlong handicap.

The Aga Khan-bred gelding was always prominent under the trainer’s son Cillian who allowed rival Final Fantasy to race clear down the back straight. That one came back early in the straight and Kartayaz struck for home a furlong and a half out. Munfallet came out of the pack to give chase but was a length adrift at the line with Dr Patrick a further three lengths back in third.

It was a second win for the five-year-old by Iffraaj who got off the mark here in November.

The winning rider, whose claim will reduced to 7lb after this victory, remarked: “That's my third winner, it's taken me a while to get there.

“I've been picking up a few rides over the winter here and getting a bit more luck. As the riding comes on you get more rides and you know what you're doing a bit more.

“I'm delighted to get it and delighted for Dad. He's in Musselburgh, we've got a lot of runners tomorrow and Sunday. Unfortunately he can't be here, maybe he's better off in Musselburgh!”

Quotes from Gary Carson