Havelock Ellis and Donagh O Connor© Photo Healy Racing
Johnny Levins is doing well with a small string of horses and his handling of Havelock Ellis winner of the Crowne Plaza Leading Jockey & Trainer Championship Handicap at Dundalk this evening, is a fine advertisement for the rookie trainer.
The son of Iffraaj was winless in 14 starts prior to joining Levins but landed his third win for the trainer, in nine runs, tonight. The gelding was also justifying his decision to claim from the gelding by utilising jockey Donagh O'Connor and his useful 10lbs claim, thereby canceling out that same penalty for winning at the venue last week.
Afterwards Levins said “I'm delighted he came out the right side of the photo as Donagh is a worse loser than I am! I'm delighted I put him on as I'd imagine the 10lb was a big help.
“This horse is an absolute star and doesn't know how to run a bad race. He makes my job easy as he's versatile trip wise and it (stepping up in trip) opens up the options.
“He's improving and is enjoying life so there's no reason to stop at the moment.”
By Thomas Weekes, quotes from Gary Carson
