See also » McConnell-Constructs-a-plan-for-Galway
He was good to go out first time out and make it, it takes a fair horse to do it. He was a little bit novicey, but he has that class that he could be a bit novicey and still beat that field. It might not have been the best maiden hurdle ever run, but you would think there's a lot of improvement and better days for him. He's a fine, big horse and he probably hasn't even come to himself yet. I looked at him today and thought he's only fit now. We won't over-race him, he likes that ground so we will keep him going for the next couple of months and then give him a break. He might end up in Galway on the Monday. It will be baby steps with him because he is a baby. Even when he came into the ring he was green as grass with the big crowd. He was good out there and I was delighted with that. We bought him last October in the Horses In Training Sale and we schooled him a good bit - we had Triumph Hurdle aspirations and he even got an entry in it, but we just said we would leave him a novice until next year. He schooled around the Curragh with Hannon and Pearl Of The West a couple of times and then we schooled him a good bit for the EasyFix hurdles because they are a different kettle of fish. We knew he jumped well enough and I was hoping his Flat rating would translate because I think his Flat rating is a fair reflection and he could even be better than his Flat rating. John C McConnell, trainer

A hurdle for four years old and upwards colts and geldings only, maidens at starting
Weights - 4-y-o 11st 6lbs ;5-y-o and up 11st 12lbs ;
Allowances - Horses that have not won a race, including flat races, under any NH Rules or Rules of Racing If 4-y-o allowed 5lb If 5-y-o and up allowed 8lb