Search
Cheltenham 2024
- Main Site
- Cheltenham Home
- Cheltenham Cards
- Cheltenham Results
- Cheltenham Offers
- Cheltenham Odds
- Cheltenham Tips
- Cheltenham News
- Prestbury Cup
- Cheltenham Videos
-
Cheltenham Statistics
- Leading Trainer
- Leading Jockeys
- Leading Owners
- Previous Years
- Previous Appearances
- Breeding Profile of Winners
- Lady Jockeys at The Festival
- Leading Jockey Award Winners
- Most Successful Jockeys of All Time
- Current Jockeys Competing at Cheltenham
- Most Successful Jockey In..
- Leading Trainer Award Winners
- Most Successfull Trainer All Time
- Current Trainers Competing at Cheltenham
- Most Successful Trainer In..
- Cheltenham Trainer/Runner Index
- Desktop Site
Cheltenham 2024
- Home
- News
Donal Murphy
McConnell takes the last with Cj Cregg
Cj Cregg and Ross Coakley lead home Military Hill and Shane Foley
© Photo Healy Racing
John McConnell saddled three in the concluding Roscommon Racecourse Handicap, and it was his Cj Cregg that came out on top under Ross Coakley.
Twice placed at Dundalk earlier in the year, the daughter of Arcano was making her debut in handicap company this evening, fitted with a tongue-strap for the first time.
Sent off at 16/1, she was settled towards rear, taking closer order from early in the straight.
She was ridden to the front over a furlong from home, and despite running around a bit in the closing stages, she kept on well to prevail by half a length. Military Hill (16/1) ran on well to take second under Shane Foley for Paul Stafford, while Misty Millie (6/1) was another length and a quarter back in third.
McConnell also saddled the 10/3 favourite Yo Tambien and this one finished a disappointing eighth under Andrew Slattery.
"The first time she ever ran Leigh Roche rode her and said she wanted soft ground," McConnell revealed.
"That was a late season maiden last year and we didn't have any turf ground to run her so we ran her at Dundalk and she ran respectably but he (Roche) was right.
"It was a great result as my sister Debbie is involved in her and my parents, who don't go racing much, were here today and I'm delighted.
"She is a half-sister to Play The Game so will be worth money as a broodmare. She too could end up over hurdles in time."
STEWARDS REPORT
At the request of the Stewards, A.J. Slattery, rider of Yo Tambien (GB), trained by John C. McConnell, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount was slowly away from the starting stalls.
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes