McConnell team delights supporters in Dundalk nightcap

John McConnell ran three in the concluding Crowne Plaza Leading Jockey & Trainer Championship Handicap (division two) and he saddled the first and third in the Dundalk finale. Rockview Roman (16/1) led them home.

On debut on the polytrack Rockview Roman edged to his left inside the last. He was in control at that stage though as he accounted for Bellepower and stable companion Come Back And Stay (20s into 14s) by a length and a quarter and a length and three parts.

McConnell’s other representative Cliara (25s into 11s) finished fifth.

“We knew he had a race in him off that mark but the draw was putting me off and the surface was a bit of an unknown," said McConnell.

“He had a very bad accident around this time last year. He got a very bad cut and we nearly lost him so that’s why he was off the track for so long. Hopefully he’ll make up for lost time now.

“The boys that own him are very lucky and I don’t think they’ve had a horse that hasn’t won for us.”

A.J. Slattery, rider of Eyeoweyou trained by Karl Thornton, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount stood in the gates and was slowly away.

(AM & EM)