Multi-talented McConnell makes merry with a treble at Downpatrick

The word no is not in John McConnell's vocabulary. He would just as happily welcome a five-furlong sprinter into his Stamullen base as a cross-country chaser and was once again advertising his versatility as a trainer by sending out a treble at Downpatrick on Sunday.

The opening leg went to Ally Cay, a filly who reached a mark of 60 on the Fla, but already looks as though she will climb significantly higher over hurdles judged by how well she took the opening mares' maiden hurdle.

Ridden by Simon Torrens, Ally Cay jumped low and quick, which couldn’t be said about her main market rival, Mollys Glory.

McConnell said: "She had been great on the Flat but she has been a little disappointing this year. I've changed her routine a little bit and I train her outside now. She's probably only getting fit now by the look of it. She was big in Sligo, I thought.”

He added: "She travels a lot better in a hurdle race, so we might stick to hurdles for now, and I actually think she will jump a fence as well. There's probably more fun to be had with her."

McConnell was left shouting yes not once, but twice more, after Mullaghmore Wave overcame a stewards' inquiry to win the mares’ handicap hurdle and Eco Pete landed the bumper.

Ridden by Brian Hayes, Mullaghmore Wave came across the short-priced favourite Lighthouse Rose on the run-in, but crucially pulled half a length clear late on, and therefore kept the race.

McConnell said: “She should keep it as she was well on top at the line. We were touch and go about running, so I'm glad we did now. They haven't had any rain since this morning and she’s a proper quick-ground filly."

He added: "Mark's [McNiff] horse is a decent filly around here, so it was a good performance to get on top of her. She wants every yard of that trip – she'll stay further."

The treble was completed when Eco Pete ran out an impressive winner of the bumper under young Alex Harvey, who was recording his first success in the saddle under rules.

Results, replays and analysis

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