'It's nice to reach that milestone' - John McConnell notches 60th winner of year

Friday: Downpatrick

John McConnell has had more winners at Downpatrick than any other turf course in Ireland, so it was fitting that he brought up his 60th winner of the year at the track's final meeting of 2022.

A decisive 2m3f rated novice hurdle win for No Trouble, ridden by Kieren Buckley, meant McConnell had recorded eight victories at Downpatrick over the course of the year – the same number of winners as Gordon Elliott has had at the Northern Irish track.

McConnell said: "We've nearly had a winner at every meeting here this year. That's my 60th winner of the year so it's nice to reach that milestone.

"No Trouble deserved that. He's been running pretty consistently over hurdles and has a bit of a turn of foot at this level."

No Trouble: all-weather regular notched his first win over hurdles at DownpatrickCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

The dual-purpose handler gave a favourable mention to winning rider Buckley, who has created a fine impression as a 5lb claimer since making the move back home from Britain this season.

McConnell added: "I watched Kieren in the UK and could see he has a good brain. He's a really good horseman. There was a gap in the market here and he's making the most of coming over.

"I see all the good lads are using him and he's very good value for his 5lb claim. It won't last long."

Timely winner for Smyth

Antrim-based trainer Harry Smyth revelled in what he expects to be one of the final winners of his career when course specialist Willyouwalkwithme landed the 2m2f handicap hurdle under a determined Shane O'Callaghan.

Harry Smyth: winning trainer of WillyouwalkwithmeCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Three of Willyouwalkwithme's four wins have come at this unique track, as well as a trio of placed efforts.

Smyth said: "I'll be retiring very shortly. I don't want to do it anymore, I'm tired. I'm 85 and will be 86 shortly after 40 years in this game.

"This is only a fun exercise. I repair gearboxes for a living, but it's always given me a real kick. I don't drink or smoke or anything, I live for my four horses. That's all I do.

"I doubt I'll be renewing my licence, but it's hard to give up anything. I drove stock cars in the championship of the world three times and was involved in that for 25 years."

Scottish raider comes unstuck

Intrigue was added to the concluding 2m7½f handicap chase as Iain Jardine brought over Perth regular Glen Ava for a crack at the low-grade contest for horses rated 95 or less.

A rare Scottish-trained runner in Ireland, the six-year-old mare was well backed into 5-4 favouritism (from 5-2) to exploit a potentially attractive Irish mark of 84, considering she is rated 109 in Britain.

However, the mount of JJ Slevin failed to make an impact and disappointed, beaten 18 lengths into eighth behind the Michael Hourigan-trained winner Sanibel Island.

An Irish-trained horse attempting to run in the same class of handicap race in Britain would not have been permitted to do so due to controversial BHA rules cemented earlier this year.

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