McConnell doubles up with Rita Levi

Seamie Hefferan and absent trainer John McConnell were narrowly denied in the first division of the Crowne Plaza Hotel Dundalk Handicap with No Trouble but they gained recompense in the second split when Rita Levi (14/1) registered a second career success.

The daughter of Kodiac chased front-running veteran Sharjah until heading that one a furlong out and, despite her rider putting up 2lb overweight, she just held on by a head as 9/4 favourite Shamiyan finished strongly having come from off the pace.

It was the 5-year-old’s first win for in-form McConnell who was completing a double after Zahee in the second. Her other victory had come in a Galway festival maiden in 2019 when trained by Ger Lyons.

The admirable Sharjah kept going for third place at 18/1.

Hefferan remarked: “I thought I was a little unlucky on John's other one (No Trouble) but isn't racing great, I come out and win the next a head.

“John's horses are running well, she handled the surface and was very game. I was delighted to be on board.”

Quotes from Gary Carson