McConnell and Hoban grab brace through St Cianans Fire John McConnell and Conor Hoban enjoyed a Dundalk double when St Cianans Fire made the best way home in the first divide of the extended mile and a quarter handicap. Hoban was confident aboard the 3/1 favourite who travelled all over his rivals to hit the front towards the final furlong. He wasn't asked for his effort until inside the final furlong when Morning Dew looked threatening on his outer. Hoban rode him briefly to keep the revs up and the pair came in by a somewhat snug half a length from the 25/1 runner-up. Je T'ai Porte was another three quarters of a length back in third at 10/3. McConnell said: “That's great. He handled the surface as a two-year-old, he ran quite well here as a two-year-old, but last year he just wasn't right and didn't go well here at all. “We were hopeful enough he'd handle the surface and Conor gave him a lovely ride, he's done it well. “He travels well and he doesn't kill himself when he hits the front, so hopefully there might be another day in him. “Simon (Condron), who owns him, has been very patient with him so it's paying off now.” McConnell and Hoban had earlier teamed up with 12/1 Cousin Shay in race five. Additional reporting by Gary Carson
