McConnell notches 40th winner of year

Trainer John McConnell notched his 40th winner of the year at Navan today as his Yamato landed the concluding Racing Again Sunday 7th November Handicap (div II) under jockey Rory Cleary.

The eight year old son of Big Bad Bob was successful over hurdles at the same Co Meath venue just last month but today was ending a two years and one day wait for a flat win (his previous win being at Wolverhampton on October 19, 2021), when scoring readily from Aprils Joy

McConnell, who didn't train a winner in April and May with his horses out of form, later reported “he’s no superstar but he’s a tough little horse and goes through that ground really well.

“We’ve had a lot of fun with him this autumn and I’m delighted for everyone involved. He’ll probably have a bit of a break now.

“That’s 40 winners for us this year.”

Quotes from Alan Magee