Yokkell (right) and Siobhan Rutledge© Photo Healy Racing
John McConnell and Siobhan Rutledge teamed up for a 25/1 surprise with Yokkell in the concluding Dundalk Stadium Gift Vouchers Handicap.
The Fast Company filly won twice on turf for Jarlath Fahey and only joined McConnell before her penultimate start when fourth over this course and distance.
The extended ten-furlong handicap was a typically competitive affair for the venue with a line horses across the track over a furlong out.
Yokkell kept on well for Rutledge to hold off Storm Eric who didn’t enjoy the clearest of passages, by a neck with Satono Chevalier and Giselles Defence dead-heating for a third just half-a-length further back.
McConnell said, "I haven't had her that long and she was in great nick when I got her.
“She ran very well here the last day and we thought she'd run well here today as well but it was a very strong heat so we weren't really sure.
“She's just a very straightforward filly and I got her in great shape so I haven't had to do anything other than not mess her up.
“She shouldn't have been that price and I think it was maybe the strength of the race, other
horses were maybe younger and more progressive.
“She's done it well and it looks like she'll stay a mile-and-a-half on that.
“We actually bought her to go hurdling and she's a fun horse to have for next year.”
Quotes by Gary Carson
