Connell's Thaix very impressive on return Barry Connell's Hgranca De Thaix powered clear on the run-in to record an impressive victory in the Ryans Cleaning Handicap Hurdle at Galway. Rising star Michael O'Sullivan gave the 11/8 favourite a confident ride as his mount cruised up to challenge turning for home. The Saddler Maker gelding jumped to the front at the final flight and just had to be pushed out to streak clear from his rivals. He was easing down late on to record a 17-length win over Pats Choice. The winner was making his first start since finishing third at Punchestown back in January and was recording the first victory of his career. Connell said:- “He’s had three or four runs in handicaps and was taking on horses coming out of maiden hurdles so I was pretty confident coming down that he had the experience under his belt. “We left him out for the summer and he’s done well. He’s only a five-year-old and is after strengthening up. He jumped great apart from one he fiddled down the back. I’d say he’d have no bother jumping a fence in due course. “I’d say he’ll end up being a three-mile horse and when he hit the hill he picked up and got going. He’s a nice one. “There is a two-and-a-half-mile novice handicap hurdle in Leopardstown at Christmas and whether he runs between now and then I’m not sure. “He’ll stay hurdling this season and if he keeps improving he might win a nice staying pot, maybe one of those three-mile races in Navan.” (Quotes by Alan Magee)
