McConnell soars to double with New Moon Rising New Moon Rising scooted right away from the field in the concluding 1m1f handicap at Leopardstown to bring up a double for John McConnell. The trainer's son, Cillian McConnell, got him out from stall 10 and pair were prominent until picking it up after four furlongs. New Moon Rising travelled round the home bend well and had the field off the bridle as she set sail a furlong and a half out. She was ridden at the furlong pole and kept up the gallop to storm in by three lengths at 22/1. Her stablemate, Freepark, kept on for second at 9/1 with 4/1 favourite Pride Of Pimlico third. Gambled-on Miss Cunning (18/1 - 11/2) brought home an each-way dividend in fourth. “She's obviously a turf filly. We bought her at the breeding sales, she was reasonably priced at €9,000,” said McConnell. “I had only Dundalk to play with over the winter. I didn't think she liked the all-weather and she was a different filly there today, she had run well here before. “Cillian gave her a peach from the front, kicked on. She was good and stayed on well. “Hopefully after getting her head in front there is a bit of progression in her now but she has her winning bracket now. “It's my first horse for the owners (Vamwell Limited) and I'm delighted for them. The second ran a cracker as well.” McConnell landed the previous race on the race with Company Keeping (3/1f). Additional reporting by Gary Carson
