Kennedy rides third consecutive winner for McConnell

Apprentice jockey Keithen Kennedy registered a third consecutive winning ride for trainer John McConnell today, as the pair landed Dundalk's Happy Valentine's Day From Dundalk Stadium Handicap (Div II) with Noble Crusade (14/1).

Previously successful with recent February winners Together Aclaim and Gatsby Cap, the pair today combined with easy winner Noble Crusade which powered clear of runner-up St Cianans Fire to score by 4.5 lengths.

McConnell later said “he's (Keithen Kennedy) not making too many mistakes on my ones and in fairness, the horse had come down a lot in the weights. He had lost his way a bit and has had some physical issues - they have been holding him back.

"He ran well here the last day although we weren't sure about the surface, as he only ran once before that here and ran badly on his first ever run for me. The lads (No More After Hours Syndicate) have been very patient with him, so I'm delighted for them.

"It opens it up for us and he is also handicapped over hurdles, so he will probably go summer hurdling as well. I wouldn't say he is a horse that would love to be here every week..

"He's a real honest trier of a horse so, if we can keep him right, there should be fun to be had with him."

Quotes from Michael Graham