Barry Connell notched up his third success as a trainer when King Alex put up a lovely display off a 342 day break in the Donnelly’s Of Barna Maiden Hurdle at Ballinrobe.

Despite the absence there were no worries on the fitness count with the French-bred Born King gelding, as he got it done in this near two and three quarter miler from the front.

On his first time aboard the attractive type, Sean Flanagan got a good tune out of the 11/4 victor.

The in-form Wexford pilot controlled things nicely in the lead and his confidence in King Alex proved well justified as he accounted for Zaccarela by six and a half lengths.

“He’s a big horse and a chaser more than a hurdler,” said Connell.

“Races like that (an unplaced maiden) are there to give horses an opportunity, it was an ordinary contest and we’re hoping he’ll turn out a bit better than that.

“He’s had a couple of runs already over fences and it’s taken time for him to get to where he is.

“We’ve had him since he was two, he’s six now, and he’s just grown into himself.”

(EM)