Enzani pleases McConnell and Kierans

Bought from the Aga Khan out of the Dermot Weld yard for 78,000 Euros at the Goffs Horses-in-Training Sale in October, Enzani looked a lovely type on his first start for John McConnell when landing the concluding www.dundalkstadium.com Maiden under Gary Carroll.

Carroll sported the familiar Derek Kierans silks aboard the Navan fourth placer from October 22nd. Kadayma another Aga Khan-owned, finished behind Enzani at Proudstown Park but the betting suggested the tables could be turned this time with the former going off at 11/10 whilst the winner's starting price was 11/8.

The market looked like it had it right for a time but in the end Enzani edged it nicely by a length and a quarter from the front-runner.

"I'm delighted. It's worse than having a Cheltenham runner with the pressure. Due to the money we paid for him and the fact that he had beaten her (Kadayma) before," acknowledged McConnell.

The County Meath-based operator went on: "He's a lovely big horse and probably just got away with that surface. He has plenty of scope and was only getting away in the final furlong.

"We've started to school him over hurdles and we'll pick a nice race for him. He doesn't want it bottomless but would go on yielding ground.

"With his size he can only improve and he could also be a decent horse for the Flat next year."

The Stewards enquired into an incident shortly after turning into the home straight involving Chakisto (FR), ridden by J.P. O'Brien, and Coreczka ridden by Christina Simpson, where it appeared Chakisto (FR) suffered interference. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards advised Christina Simpson to ride with more care in future.

(GC & EM)