Murphy edges towards Irish National

FERDY MURPHY, who sent out Granit D’Estruval to land last year’s Powers Gold Label Irish Grand National, is set to bid for the Fairyhouse prize with Joes Edge on Easter Monday.

Murphy did not manage a winner at the Cheltenham Festival, but after reaching 50 for the season with Dolmur at Hereford yesterday, he explained Joes Edge’s performance in the Jewson Novices’ Handicap Chase last week.

“He made one desperate mistake when he was travelling well and it basically knocked him right out of it,” said the Leyburn handler.