Maye blossoms with first success for McConnell Apprentice jockey Jessica Maye won on her first ride for new employer trainer John McConnell today, landing Dundalk’s opening Christmas Party Nights At Dundalk Stadium Handicap on the Rockview Stables-owned Hasiyna (6/1). Initially held up in mid-field, Maye moved Hasiyna to lead over a furlong out with the pair scoring by a neck from Hero Of The Hour. It was Maye’s fifth career success and afterwards she reported “I hadn’t ridden in quite a while so I’d like to thank John and everyone in the yard for giving me the opportunity. I hadn’t done much all year, had a fairly quiet year with one winner in June, so decided to change. I came to John and I’m really liking it there. “Hasiyna had a really good run here two weeks ago and she flew for me today.” McConnell added "Jess is in with me four days a week, so it was great to give her a spin on a good one. Hasiyna was probably in front for too long the last day, so I just said to Jess to hold on to her for one run today. She has been knocking on the door and was a bit unlucky the last time. “She is getting faster for some reason and I could have gone in a six-furlong handicap last week, but held off for the five. She is paying her way and she always runs well, so I'm delighted." Additional reporting from Michael Graham
