McConnell strikes with one of his four Smaoineamh Sile, one of four John McConnell-trained runners in the line-up, claimed the first divide of the Gibneys Malahide Handicap. Twice successful at Leopardstown last summer, the five-year-old was a close fourth on her most recent start at the Foxrock venue. Available at 6/1 in early shows for this extended seven-furlong contest, the Pride Of Dubai chestnut eventually went off a 9/2 chance in the colours of Peter Commane. Just behind the leaders on the outer in the early stages, the Jamie Powell ridden victor got to the front on the approach to halfway. Pushed along from the two-furlong pole and soon a few lengths clear, she kept on well when ridden in the closing stages, holding off the effort of Indiana Grey (22/1) by half-a-length. The front pair went three lengths clear of the running on James Henry (15/2), while The Bog Bank (7/2f) was another half-a-length away in fourth. "She deserved it, she ran well the last day but probably got harried a bit in front then and didn't quite get home, so we dropped her back in trip,” said McConnell. "She was game. She is what she is but she's competitive at her rating and hopefully she can go again. "It's great to have a winner here. We haven't come here with huge expectations but it's great to get that on the board." STEWARDS REPORT * Siobhan Rutledge, rider of Double Martini, trained by John C. McConnell, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that her mount received a bump leaving the stalls. Additional reporting by Gary Carson
