McConnell duo set for Galway Hurdle John McConnell is looking forward to firing a twin assault on Thursday's Guinness Galway Hurdle. The Fowlerstown-based trainer is set to saddle Pearl Of The West and Play The Game in the E300,000 feature, both of whom carry the colours of Derek Kierans. Pearl Of The West has seven career wins to her name, including a victory at the 2017 Galway Festival, while Play The Game has been kept fresh since winning at Listowel in early June. "Both are going to get into the race and we're looking forward to it," said McConnell. "If they run to their best they have chances in it, but obviously it’s a lottery. It’s very competitive and for that money it should be. "Pearl Of The West ran at Bellewstown and was fourth in a good handicap hurdle. She made the running that day and it probably didn’t suit her so we’ll ride her with a little bit more restraint in Galway and that might sweeten her. "If she ran up to her best she'd be bang there. "Play The Game hasn't run since he won in Listowel a couple of months ago, but he’s better off fresh anyway. "His prep has gone very well and we're very happy with him."
