McConnell's 40/1 shocker at Gowran Park

There was some joy today for Stamullen trainer John McConnell with Blankiedoodie, a 40/1 shock winner at Gowran Park.

Reverting to the flat after three outings over hurdles Blankiedoodie got a first win as Gary Carroll partnered the six-year-old gelding to
victory in the Think Print Handicap.

Owned by Derek Kierans, a Drogheda man, Blankiedoodie edged into the lead two furlongs out to score a length and a quarter from Lizard Point.

“We sent him hurdling and he didn't enjoy that. I think he was delighted to see no hurdles and when he saw the stalls he went 'yahoo' and put his best foot forward,"suggested the trainer.

“I think we might shelve hurdling anyway — that's the Champion Hurdle gone off the agenda,” he added.

The winner all made amends for a frustrating outing yesterday to Southwell where McConnell had three runners and one - Yo Tambien - refused to race.