St Cianans has Fire in his belly

St Cianans Fire got off the mark at the ninth time of asking in the second division of the 1m1f handicap in Punchestown.

The four-year-old Elzaam gelding didn't go unbacked as his price contracted to 14/1 from 22/1.

Conor Hoban rode him into the race in the final couple of furlongs but, in truth, an absolute wall of horses held chances.

St Cianans Fire kept progressing and took a narrow lead with 150 yards to travel. There was soon a four-way go for the line, but he kept on best to prevail by a neck. Hello Power (33/1) couldn't reach the winner in second, but was a neck up on Soilse (8/1).

“It's good to reward the owner for his patience with me and the horse,” said trainer John McConnell.

“He's been a very immature horse, mentally and physically. We knew he was coming right but we needed a little bit of ease in the ground, we've been waiting for it.

“He's probably a horse that can improve again, hopefully, and keep going forward. He always showed us something, but it was just little niggles and immaturity.

“Fair play to Simon (Condron, owner) he's been very patient and loyal to me so I'm delighted.”

Additional reporting by Gary Carson