O’Connell shines as gutsy Royal Blood prevails

EDDIE O’Connell is rapidly making a name for himself and the 5lb claimer was seen to very good effect on Royal Blood, who ran out a gutsy winner of the Carrick-on-Shannon Handicap Chase at Roscommon last night.

The 8/1 shot jumped the last in good style and was always holding the effort of Killy Fryer close home.

“He’s tough and honest but has put in some awful runs in the past and I just don’t think that he’s suited to tight tracks,” reported winning trainer Philip Dempsey.