McConnell full of praise for Kennedy after Gatsby Cap success

Gatsby Cap continued the resurgence of trainer John McConnell with a fourth winner here in the space of a fortnight when taking division two of the Dundalkstadium.com Apprentice Handicap.

The eight-year-old had dropped right down to a basement mark before scoring over course and distance last month and was recording a sixth career win here.

The 14/1 chance also provided apprentice Keithen Kennedy with his sixth winner when challenging up the centre of the track in the straight, leading about a furlong out before keeping on well to beat the always prominent Wonder Spirit by three quarters of a length. Hale Bopp was just a head back in third.

McConnell said, "We couldn't believe the price because he was a little bit unlucky the last time and he won the time before. He's an old boy and he probably knows more about the game than probably me and Keithen as well!

"He's a lovely horse, he's a real happy little horse. When he's in that vein of form, he's good. A mile is perfect for him and he obviously likes it up here.

"I have to say Chris Hayes told me to put the cheekpieces back on him, so I owe him a little thank you. It is great to win with these fun horses."

On Keithen Kennedy getting opportunities with him, he added: "Don't tell anybody about him! He's very, very good.

"He's with Jessie and I'm sure he will get loads of opportunities there. People will cotton on to him soon enough, but he just seems to get the job done. For a guy with a 7lb claim, and not a lot of experience, he's excellent. I couldn't recommend him any higher than that.

"We obviously have our own guys as well and they will all be getting chances, but it is like robbing 7lb with him at the minute. He just seems to have it.

"Jessie is very good to the people that work for her and I'm sure she is delighted he is getting experience. The turf is only around the corner, so I'm sure he will be used a lot by herself and many others."

Champion apprentice Jamie Powell was in hot water with the stewards after finishing fourth on Trishuli River.

The stewards enquired into an incident early in the straight involving the Wesley Joyce-ridden Kudbegood and found Powell guilty of careless riding.

As it was his fourth offence in this regard, Powell was hit with a 12-day ban.

Quotes by Michael Graham