Massey's Wood another for Connell

Massey's Wood provided Barry Connell with his fourth success in the training ranks, as he claimed the Rainbow Communications Handicap Chase.

Snake Oil was a first winner for Connell at Listowel in September and he since struck with Karen's Gift and King Alex respectively.

Off the track for nearly two years, Massey's Wood returned to action in January and failed to make an impact in three quick runs.

Upped in trip today and making his debut in handicap company, the son of Black Sam Bellamy was sent off a 12/1 chance under Mark Bolger.

Never far off the pace, the eight-year-old improved to lead approaching the tenth and he increased his advantage on the run to the last, keeping on well to score by four-and-a-half lengths. Askann (10/3 from 8s in early shows) came through to take second under Simon Torrens for his uncle Mervyn, while the evens favourite Paranoid who made a mistake three out, was another length and three parts back in third.

Connell, who also owns the winner, said afterwards: "Most of ours are off a break because I had to wait a year to get my licence, so we ran very little last year.

"He jumps for fun, he never missed a beat. We'll see what the handicapper does. I liked the way he jumped for his first run in a handicap.

"Chasing is his game. You'd like to think maybe if he wins another couple of races, he could be good enough to go for a Paddy Power or one of those type of races.

"I think he has probably got a good future. He's kind of ground versatile because I think he'll go on softer ground. He won his bumper on bottomless ground in Listowel.

"We normally give them about three weeks. You'll probably see him at the end of November and then find something for him over Christmas.

"We've a lovely bunch of young horses to run."

STEWARDS REPORT

S.F. O'Keeffe, rider of Justmemyselfandi trained by Miss Elizabeth Doyle, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount hung right throughout.

Additional reporting by Michael Graham