Cj Cregg and Ross Coakley lead home Military Hill and Shane Foley© Photo Healy Racing
John McConnell saddled three in the concluding Roscommon Racecourse Handicap, and it was his Cj Cregg that came out on top under Ross Coakley.
Twice placed at Dundalk earlier in the year, the daughter of Arcano was making her debut in handicap company this evening, fitted with a tongue-strap for the first time.
Sent off at 16/1, she was settled towards rear, taking closer order from early in the straight.
She was ridden to the front over a furlong from home, and despite running around a bit in the closing stages, she kept on well to prevail by half a length. Military Hill (16/1) ran on well to take second under Shane Foley for Paul Stafford, while Misty Millie (6/1) was another length and a quarter back in third.
McConnell also saddled the 10/3 favourite Yo Tambien and this one finished a disappointing eighth under Andrew Slattery.
"The first time she ever ran Leigh Roche rode her and said she wanted soft ground," McConnell revealed.
"That was a late season maiden last year and we didn't have any turf ground to run her so we ran her at Dundalk and she ran respectably but he (Roche) was right.
"It was a great result as my sister Debbie is involved in her and my parents, who don't go racing much, were here today and I'm delighted.
"She is a half-sister to Play The Game so will be worth money as a broodmare. She too could end up over hurdles in time."
STEWARDS REPORT
At the request of the Stewards, A.J. Slattery, rider of Yo Tambien (GB), trained by John C. McConnell, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount was slowly away from the starting stalls.
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
