Protest causes long wait to celebrate

IT WAS a stressful wait to celebrate, but veteran horseman Robbie O’Connell has “never been happier”.

O’Connell’s classy trotter Magicool caused an upset when he crossed the finish ahead of his rivals in the E B Cochran Cup in Ballarat tonight.

Before the joy of victory took hold, however, O’Connell was subjected to a nervous wait as connections of the runner-up, Red Hot Tooth, lodged a protest against the winner.

The basis of the objection was Magicool was allowed to travel inside the pegs.

After a long deliberation stewards dismissed the protest, with Magicool declared the Group Two winner.

“It seemed to take forever to get an answer,” O’Connell said. “Thankfully it went our way and we’re celebrating now.

“I’m over the moon…never been happier.”

With in-form reinsman Zac Phillips in the cart, Magicool began quickly to lead from barrier five before being eased to take a trail behind Red Hot Tooth.

Gaining a saloon passage along the home straight, Magicool reclaimed the front in the last stride to score by a head.

Monaro Maro was five metres away third in 1:59.7 over 2200 metres.

“After his run in Bendigo a couple of weeks ago I said he didn’t feel right and just knew he was off in some way,” O’Connell said.

“This week he has felt terrific and I told anyone who would listen he was ready to win.

“He’s such a great little tryer which just wants to get the job done.”

To be given a “few easy days”, the gelding will then be primed for the Great Southern Star, which is scheduled to be conducted at Tabcorp Park Melton on February 5.