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McConnell tempted by Streets of Doyen hurdles mark

Streets of Doyen has McConnel excited going forward Streets of Doyen has McConnel excited going forward
© Photo Healy Racing

Trainer John McConnell is looking forward to going back over hurdles with Streets of Doyen who he feels could be well handicapped over the smaller obstacles.

The eight-year-old ran well when fourth in the listed Summer Cup over fences at Uttoxeter last month but the Meath man feels that the horse just isn't as effective as a chaser.

Although entered in a valuable handicap hurdle at Market Rasen this weekend, McConnell says that his charge is unlikely to take up that particular engagement.

Speaking at Downpatrick on Wednesday, he said: "I don't think we are going to go but it is tempting off that mark.

"I'm not sure he is in love with chasing although he ran okay the last day in Uttoxeter.

"The likelihood is we won't go, but he may go over hurdles - I put him in the 2m6f handicap hurdle in Galway on the Saturday, there today.

"He could be well handicapped over hurdles if you look at his best form over hurdles and I don't think he has lost any of his ability. I think he is in good form himself but I think he maybe doesn't enjoy the steeplechase fences as much as the hurdles.

"We probably won't send him to Market Rasen this time, but we'll either go to Galway or across the water with him.

"It would certainly be interesting to see him back over hurdles."

Additional reporting by Michael Graham.

About John O'Riordan
John has worked for the Press Association since 2022. He also writes a weekly column for The Irish Field and is a regular contributor to the Irish Racing Yearbook. He has previously written for the Racing Post, Irish Examiner and Irish Daily Mirror. He has been involved in racing for over three decades; having experience as a syndicate member, sole owner and breeder.