Notnowned bolts up in the bumper

Runner-up in a twenty-runner bumper at the Galway festival, Evens favourite Notnowned made short work of his rivals in the Avison Young (Ladies Pro/Am) Flat Race.

Settled behind the leaders by Jody Townend, the five-year-old led before the home straight and easily kicked clear over two furlongs out. He came home ten lengths in front of market rival Duncreevan

Winning trainer John McConnell is enjoying plenty of success with his recruits from the point-to-point sphere and Notnowned was runner-up at Curraghmore in April on his only start for Pat Doyle.

"He did what I expected really," said McConnell.

"He was only just ready to run in Galway and he ran a cracker, and he has come on from that. The third horse (in Galway) had won and we knew we had improved.

"He's a really nice horse and probably a good-ground horse, not a winter horse.

"He's one we will look after and we might go for a winners' bumper with him.

"It's a new syndicate (High Steed Traders) for me, so I'm delighted.

"I thought he had a right chance, I was surprised he wasn't favourite last night, but somebody followed my lead anyway! It was great to get it."

Quotes from Michael Graham