Enniskerry provides Connell with a memorable Leopardstown win

Enniskerry nailed Pinot Gris late to give local man Barry Connell a memorable success in the Spinal Injuries Ireland Handicap Hurdle at Leopardstown.

Sean Flanagan did the steering on the successful ten-year-old, a 9/1 shot on this occasion, and he soon took up a rear of mid-division position.

Eleventh after the fourth, Enniskerry made headway after two out, and he stayed on to second before the last last. From there he kept on well on the run-in to lead close home and win by a neck.

“It's brilliant to have it here. At Christmas and the Dublin Racing festival that's where arguably the racing is most competitive, and obviously at Punchestown in the spring,” said Connell.

“I love having winners here and that horse is special because we've had him for seven or eight years. He's kind of the pet of the yard.

“He turns up everyday . He's won on the Flat, over hurdles and fences. He's an iron horse.

“We've been mixing and matching. He ran on the Flat during the summer and won early on, then he ended up running in the Cesarewitch and it just didn't happen for him.

“He was still well treated over hurdles and had a very good run in Fairyhouse that left him spot on for today.

“He needed a jump at the last and when he got that I think the momentum was always going to take him there.”

When asked about plans he added:- “It'll be ground dependant. He might get a little break now and we'll leave him for the spring festivals. He could be a horse for the Grand Annual, he has that sort of profile.

“He definitely wants good ground.”

On Marine Nationale meanwhile - 3rd in an earlier Grade 1 - he said: “He's only beaten four lengths. He's had very little experience over fences and I thought his jumping was very good today.

“He had a good blow after it and I think he's coming forward. I'd like to think he'll come back here for the Dublin Racing Festival and he'll take another step forward.”

When asked if he could aim at the Champion Chase he added:- “Absolutely, why not. He's finished right alongside Gaelic Warrior who is second favourite for it.”

D.A. Jacob, rider of Batman Girac (FR), trained by W.P. Mullins, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount ran way too free.

C.M. Quirke, rider of Metamorpheus trained by Paul Nolan, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount stopped quickly.

(GC & EM)