18+ | Commercial Content | T&Cs apply | Wagering and T&Cs apply | Play Responsibly | Advertising Disclosure

Connell looks forward to Tank going chasing

The Tullow Tank The Tullow Tank
© Photo Healy Racing

Leading owner Barry Connell is excited about seeing his star performer The Tullow Tank begin his career over fences later this year.

The six-year-old won successive Grade One prizes over hurdles earlier this term, clinching the Royal Bond at Fairyhouse and the Future Champions Novice Hurdle at Leopardstown.

He was last seen finishing a clear second behind Vautour in Leopardstown's Deloitte Novice Hurdle in February, form which looks outstanding in light of the winner's front-running victory in the Supreme Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham.

The Tullow Tank missed the Festival and will not run at Punchestown next week after Connell decided all his horses with Philip Fenton would not run again until a court hearing into the trainer's possession of anabolic steroids is concluded.

"He's won two Grade Ones and been second in another, so he's done a lot this season," Connell told At The Races.

"We decided to give him a break and probably come back early next season. He'll definitely go chasing. He jumps his hurdles like he'd jump a fence.

"The form has worked out great with Vautour, so we'd really be looking forward to him over fences next year.

"I'd say he'll run over either two or two and a half miles."