Hat-trick of hat-tricks for McConnell

Itsalonglongroad completed the set when winning a novice chase for trainer John McConnell at Tramore today and in the process made it a treble hat-trick?

It was a third victory at the Waterford track for Itsalongroad which previously won on the flat in August at the track and back in 2018 won a maiden hurdle at the venue - first hat-trick and second hat-trick.

Overall it was a sixth win for the versatile seven-year-old which won a claimer at Dundalk in November with today's jockey Simon Torrens on board at the Louth track for his first win at that venue.

Trainer John McConnell was on social media afterwards about his own hat-trick

We've had a winner on New Year's Day for the last three years. No better way to start. Well done to @simontorrens123 and connections! Partying faceHorse racing #winnerwinner

The 2020 New Year's Day winner was Never Do Nothing at Musselburgh and in 2019 it was also at Musselburgh when Hannon won the opener.

No pressure then with 12 months to plan a four-timer on 1st January 2022 - where will it be?

HAT-TRICKS EXPLAINED.

1. John McConnell with a winner on 1st January 2019, 2020, 2021.

2. Itsalongroad won for the third time at Tramore.

3. Itsalongroad completed the set at Tramore - a win on the flat, a win over hurdles and a win over fences.