Georg Zhukov off the mark on stable debut for O'Connell A change of scenery certainly worked the oracle as long-standing maiden Georg Zhukov made the breakthrough on his first start for trainer Eamonn O'Connell in Division ll of the New Saddle Bar At Dundalk Stadium Handicap. Wearing a hood for the first-time, the 18-race maiden was sent off a well-fancied 7/2jf under Killian Leonard. Smartly away, the John Dwyer-owned gelding led after a furlong. Travelling strongly into the straight, the four-year-old looked likely to be collared by outsider Bella Colombia at the furlong pole. However, with the aid of the stands rail, Georg Zhukov showed plenty of determination, keeping on under a strong drive to win by two lengths. Eamonn O'Connell said: "He was in a few claimers, so we rang Noel and we bought him. "This is the third one off Noel and the three of them have all won. "We were watching him there for a while. He was second up here the last day and we just took a chance on him, we have been lucky with Noel before. "He is what he is, but it is great to win for the lads. They weren't with me in a while, the owners, so it is great that he won for them. "We'll pick out something, I'd say a mile is plenty, the way he pulls. "He mightn't quicken, but he just says galloping." Additional reporting by Michael Graham.
