'Work-in-progress' Intense Approach rewards McConnell's patience

Intense Approach added to his two bumper victories when he landed the Randox Maiden Hurdle over an extended 2m5f at Downpatrick.

The five-year-old gelding had frustrated connections, but was nicely backed down to 4/6 favourite.

This was his third run over flights with a best finish of runner-up over the same extended 2m5f trip in Downpatrick just over a fortnight ago.

Alex Harvey sent him on two out and the duo moved clear on the run-in to sail in by a widening 15 lengths from main-market-rival Stormbreaker (4/1).

John McConnell said: "It has been painful! Going from his bumper wins and the way he works at home, it has been a calamity.

"He is a work-in-progress regarding his jumping. He has been very slow to learn and Ger Fox schooled him at the weekend and Ger couldn't believe how he hadn't got the hang of it. When he left him alone at a hurdle, he still needs a lot of help. It is a mental thing with him and hopefully he is switched on now."

"I told Alex to be very definite with what he wanted him to do at each hurdle - either to go short or to go long. It will come and that might boost his confidence. He has the engine there if he put it all together that he could turn into a really nice horse, but it is great to get that over with."