But his comeback of sorts continued at the Forbury Park trials yesterday as he reined home Miri in the c1 and faster trot.
O'Connell held a trainer's licence until the late 1990s and had success with several horses during that period, including pacer Llennoco (three wins in 1985) and Francis Dalrae, whom he prepared for nine wins between 1987 and 1989.
O'Connell has kept himself busy grazing dairy cows at his property near Seacliff, but decided to get involved again when the chance came.
''I had a bit of free time with the stock - I wasn't pressurised with any dairy farming, so I thought the time might be right,'' he said.
''I suppose the interest is always there, but it's just a matter of rekindling it.''
O'Connell retained his open driver's licence until 2006 but now has a trials licence, allowing him to drive Spin Doctor and Miri at the trials yesterday - the only two horses he has in work. He takes the pair to the beach at Waikouaiti to keep them fit.
''Two is an ideal number for me, because I work one in the cart one day and one on the lead and just vice versa each day.''
''Both of them have a bit of improving to go. We'll assess them as they go through each trial - they're getting fitter.''
The best of the qualifiers yesterday was a Bettor's Delight filly named Tuapeka Toff. Her trainer, driver and co-breeder, Dan Cummings, was pleased with her first attempt at qualifying, pacing the 2200m in 2.53.8 - 1.5 seconds under the required time.
The 3yr-old filly had not taken part in a trial before yesterday, but Cummings had taken her away from her Lawrence base on several occasions for experience.
''I've taken her to Roxburgh a few times and I qualified one last week at Wyndham and I just gave her a run around behind.
''She looks nice, but the last half wasn't very quick.''
A half-brother named Tuapeka Troy sold for $55,000 at the yearling sales earlier this year, while Tuapeka Toff's full sister Hit The Spot won at Methven on September 1.
''She's just on her way back up - I'll probably work her a few times. These days, with the fields not that big, it'd sometimes be better at the races getting experience.''
Hengroen will help Oamaru trainer Phil Williamson stay on the good side of his brother Magnus after qualifying in 3.02.5 as a trotter.
The 3yr-old product of Majestic Son is owned by the pair and stable client Alan Mason, after the gelding was bought at the 2012 sales for $12,000.
The fourth foal out of five-win mare Special Sunrise is Magnus Williamson's first foray into horse ownership.
Results.-Weather, fine; track, fast.
Qualifying trot, 2200m: Hengroen M Williamson 1; Hazel Alice 2; Jelly Bean 3. Four started. Time, 3.02.5. 2 1/2L, 2L, 3 1/2L. Trainer, P Williamson. First two qualified.
Qualifying mobile pace, 2200m: Tuapeka Toff D Cummings 1; Dawn's Hope 2. Two started. Time, 2.53.8. 39 1/2L. Trainer, D Cummings. Winner qualified.0w+ pace, 2200m: Mimi Surarti D Simpson 1; Clifton Venture 2; Never Eyre 3. Six started. Time, 2.52.2. 2L, 2 1/2L, 3 1/2L. Trainer, D Simpson.0w trot, 2200m: Sappy's Brite Star C Buchan 1; Eltsunami 2; Spin Doctor 20m 3. Five started. Time, 2.54.8. 2L, 24L, 2 1/2L. Trainer, C Buchan.0w+ mobile pace, 2200m: Better To Be Bad M Williamson 1; Starsky's Dream 2; Shard N Awe 3. Four started. Time, 2.49.0. 2L, 2 1/2L, 2 1/2L. Trainer, S Ashton.1w+ trot, 2200m: Miri D O'Connell 1; Mum Beat Lyall 20m 2; Southland Reflector 20m 3. Three started. Time, 2.57.6. Ns, ns. Trainer, D O'Connell.
