Each back on course for Connell Eachtotheirown produced a fine front-running performance to land the handicap hurdle at Thurles for Barry Connell. The Westerner gelding was given a positive ride by Sean Flanagan as he bounced out to make all. He had his rivals on the stretch across the top bend and kicked clear before the last for a comprehensive nine-length success over Fiver Friday. The 9/4 favourite was making his handicap debut, having been well held in Grade 2 company on his last outing at Fairyhouse. Connell reflects on change of tactics "Plan A was to go and win the Royal Bond, but that didn’t happen for him on the day and a few of ours were running below par. The ball has bounced back now,” said Connell. "He isn't really a front-runner but there was going to be no pace today, so we decided to buck him out and lead. If somebody wanted to take it off him, well and good. Future targets: Graded races or Cheltenham? "I don't know what mark he has run to today and I'll have to talk to Tim (O'Driscoll, joint-owner) and decide plans, but I think he is top-class. He'll still have a nice handicap mark if we want to avail of that, but we could look at a graded race too. "He needs five runs to qualify for a County Hurdle, which is almost impossible for a novice, but he might go for a Supreme Novices although it looks a hot race this year. “He is all speed and we are delighted to have him back to what we thought he was." (Quotes by Tom Weekes)
