The eight runner Hurricane Hurdle at Downpatrick today looked a two horse race on paper but neither of the fancied pair showed anything like their best ability, with victory in the end going to the John McConnell trained 9/1 chance Springfield Way

In-running markets were in turmoil from halfway in the race, with 4/6 favourite Tawaag coming off the bridle with a complete circuit to run. Next best in the market, 2/1 chance Psycho then looked presented with a winning chance but could never get to leader Springfield Way who stayed on well in the straight, under Tom Doyle.

Afterwards McConnell stated “to be honest I thought we were coming here for third place!

“I blame myself for his run the last day as we didn’t jump out in front and he pulled the arms out of Tom. I have a three miles novice handicap hurdle at the Fairyhouse Festival in mind longterm and he’d prefer better ground.”