Donagh O'Connor going from strength to strength

Donagh O’Connor continues to go from strength to strength on return from the serious injury he sustained last August, when triumphing on Happaugue in the Crowne Plaza Dundalk Race & Stay Apprentice Handicap.

Following on from his success aboard Cautious Approach here last week, O’Connor was on Happaugue (5/6 favourite) for John McConnell, who will have runners at Cheltenham next week.

The Morpheus gelding, on the mark over this same extended mile and a quarter trip on January 3rd, added to those gains in decent fashion.

He tracked the leaders, finding himself in fourth position at the halfway stage.

Making headway into second and pushed along two furlongs out, Happaugue was soon ridden and led a furlong out, keeping on well inside the final furlong to win by two lengths from Followme Followyou

“He's a nice horse, a fine big athletic horse,” said McConnell.

“I'm not sure Dundalk is even his surface because he's quite heavy topped and probably a turf horse really.

“He's a nice horse to have and he'll go jumping eventually.

“He's doesn't do much in front and he was babyish in the yard even. He's still a big baby and maybe those Morpheus' are bit late maturing mentally.

“I'm happy to get him over the line again and we gave him plenty of time off after the last time because he is big. I'm delighted with that.”

(GC & EM)