McConnell toasts double through Champagnesocialist Lightly-raced Champagnesocialist was in utterly dominant form off the front in Downpatrick's concluding bumper. The six-year-old mare ran right away from her seven rivals in the final quarter of a mile to post a 19-length success in the hands of Ben Harvey. She gave trainer John McConnell a double on the card as he also saddled Hereditary Rule to win race two - the 80-109 handicap hurdle over an extended 2m2f. Harvey said: "We've always really liked her. She had some good bumper form in her early days. "She has just had a few little niggly issues that have taken a bit of time. In fairness the owners have been brilliant, they have been so patient with her and John has done a great job with her. "She won as she liked really today, she is tough. She is from a good family, so I think there is a lot of fun to be had with her. "She has form on heavy as well. She wouldn't want it any quicker. "One to look forward to." This was her breakthrough success on her fifth start. She was runner-up on debut in a Roscommon bumper in September 2020.
