Spirit survives stewards to land finale Halycon Spirit had to survive a stewards enquiry before securing the concluding ten furlong handicap at Dundalk this afternoon. John McConnell saddled two in the race with St Cianans Fire going to post a 10/11 shot. He disappointed, however, (finishing 12th) and it was his 16/1 stablemate who proved best. Tom Kiely Marshall produced his mount to lead over a furlong from home but there was drama as he veered right inside the final furlong and gave Newgirlintown a few bumps. The Charm Spirit gelding asserted close home to record a length-and-a-half win. After a look the stewards confirmed the result. It was a double on the card for McConnell, following the earlier victory of Higher Kingdom, and he said:- "He did interfere badly with Ger (O'Leary's) horse, I think it cost him as much momentum and he was going away at the line. "I'm obviously delighted as we haven't had him that long. He was very straightforward and everybody in the yard has actually taken to him very well. He's a lovely little horse. "I think this is his game - quick turf or Polytrack. I don't think he was in love with hurdles. He will probably stick up here for the winter." Kiely Marshall added: "He likes the ground, picked up lovely and just in the finish there, he just slightly darted to the right. “I tried to fix it as soon as a I could, I had my stick in the right hand. I don't think it was very, very severe. "He went on very well, so I was happy with that and for John." (Quotes by Michael Graham)
