Cheltenham double for John McConnell

Two winners at Cheltenham in December has trainer John McConnell smiling and looking forward, perhaps, to returning next March to Prestbury Park.

Yesterday McConnell was on flat racing duty in Dundalk where he was also on the mark, but his post-race interview about the Cheltenham success of Some Neck was laced with satisfaction.

Some Neck, formerly trained by Willie Mullins, yesterday won the Glenfarclas Cross Country Handicap Chase over three miles and six furlongs.

"I'm delighted with that, it's the first winner I've had for them (owners - the aptly-named Some Neck Partnership) we haven't had him that long, but he's a lovely horse," commented McConnell.

"It's brilliant, we're over the moon with that, I knew he'd stay going, he'd stay further.

"To get a winner at Cheltenham at any time is just brilliant, I'm not sure where we will go next, I think there's a banks race in Punchestown next February.

"I've also had thoughts about the Eider chase, he just stays and stays and stays, we'll see," added McConnell.

It was a first ride in the UK for Naul jockey Ben Harvey and he certainly displayed a liking for the dramatic as he challenged late and got his head in front at the post for an official winning margin of a short head.

BEN HARVEY IN THE WINNERS' ENCLOSURE WITH SOME NECK

Winner number two at Cheltenham arrived today when the well-travelled Make Good landed the Albert Bartlett Novices´ Hurdle with Richard Johnson on board.

Previously trained in the UK by David Browne and David Dennis, the five-year-old had won on the flat at Doncaster and Nottingham in 20 starts.

However, in recent months Make Good has shown impressive form winning on the flat at Navan and over hurdles at Gowran before landing the spoils today at Cheltenham.