McConnell's miler Musgrave returns to winning ways

Mulgrave notched a third win today, all over Dundalk's mile course, landing the Irishinjuredjockeys.com Handicap for trainer John McConnell and jockey Donagh O'Connor.

Successful twice in December 2021, the son of Mehmas was a well-backed winner today (morning 8/1, returned 4/1), scoring by a length and a half from Jered Maddox

McConnell wasn't present and jockey O'Connor said “it was key to him both this time and last time (when a runner-up) that he got strong paces to run at. It helps him settle even though he was still in my hands.

"To be fair to John, the team and all the owners (Malachy Trainor & Eithne McMorrow & Gabriel Byrne & Turnings Syndicate), they have been very patient with him and got him back doing things right, because mid-way through the season he was gone the wrong way on us.

"Last winter you thought he would be a progressive type, he was doing things really well so fair play to them, they are after getting him back and hopefully he can go on again.

"He fell down through the weights by not doing things right, he went very, very keen throughout the summer but the engine is there. He's a big strong horse and it is just about doing things right and getting his confidence up."

Quotes from Michael Graham