Westoftignes strikes on first start for McConnell & Fyffe Making the perfect start for John McConnell and Jim Fyffe, Westoftignes led home eight rivals in the Treo Eile Novice Handicap Hurdle. Just held when second on his final outing for Adrian Murray at Gowran on Thyestes day, the Westerner seven-year-old was sent off a 9/2 chance today. Tracking the leaders under Alex Harvey, the 98 rated bay improved into a share of the lead after three out and gained an outright advantage on the approach to the next. Soon extending his lead, he ultimately came home three-and-a-half lengths clear, with Poppycon (14/1) filling the runner-up spot under Danny Mullins. Losing his place and dropping to sixth after three out, Harty Cup (5/2f) kept on again in the closing stages and was a further two-and-three-quarters of a length back in third. "It was great for Jimmy last week to get off the mark at Cheltenham last week, it's what he dreamed of. He is one of the biggest owners in the game, so to have a horse for him is great," McConnell enthused. "I kind of twisted his arm to buy this lad. He had a good run the last day for Adrian and he has been straightforward since we got him. "The lad who beat him the last day got a freebie in front and you could probably have upgraded his run. "In fairness Marcus Collie alerted to me that he was on the market, so I have give him a mention as well. Jimmy was ballsy enough to buy him and hopefully there is more to come. "He might go to Ayr now for the good meeting there, but it was great to get off the mark with him today. "He jumped very well and Alex probably got there early enough for himself, but he didn't move a muscle when he got there. You can get racing too early here, but he didn't, which was good. He did it well. "Myself and Alex are debating about the ground for him. Alex is convinced he wants soft ground, but I think he is quite a nice mover. "We'll get Ayr out of the way, if we go there, and we'll see what to do with him then. "I think there could be a good bit more in him and I think he'll jump fences as well."
