Murtagh’s classic imperfection
The daughter of Celtic Swing was the unluckiest loser of the season, any season, in the English equivalent at Newmarket, when partnered by Thierry Thulliez. The unfortunate French jockey found every bit of trouble that was going at Newmarket and was jocked-off in favour of former Irish champion, Murtagh. Little did connections know that they were going from the frying pan into the fire. Murtagh is a top class international pilot, with a superb big-race record, but this is one race he will never want mentioned again.
He had Six Perfections locked away on the inside for most of the journey and she had nowhere to go when the the pace quickened.L’ancresse carried them along, until Dimitrova made the burst for home at the two furlong pole.
Kinane, always in the ideal position on Yesterday, had a quick glance back and realised he had Murtagh, basically, where he wanted him. Agonisinlgy, for Murtagh, Kinane refused to play his cards ’til he judged the time to be right. Murtagh had to sit and suffer and follow Yesterday through. Inside the furlong pole, Kinane threw the kitchen sink at Yesterday and found a willing partner. She mastered Dimitova, as Six Perfections powered home. But it was too late and Yesterday was a short head to the good at the line, with a gallant Dimitrova only three parts of a length further away in third.
The body language of Six Perfections’ handler, Pascal Bary, was worth more than a couple of thousand words. He seemed shocked, utterly disbelieving and almost in a trance. He had to be forgiven for thinking that you can change jockeys, but you cannot change tactics!
Absolutely no conversation took place between himself and Murtagh. He simply ignored his rider, muttering: “It’s too much.” Indeed, one irate punter screamed at Murtagh: “Bring back the French jockey.”
“I wouldn’t have ridden her differently, I followed the horse I wanted to follow,” said Murtagh. “I’m not making excuses, but would like to have got out a furlong and a half from home. She got out 200 metres out, but just didn’t get there.”
A few steps away, in the winner’s enclosure, it was all smiles. Ballydoyle came with a plan and in Kinane had the assassin to carry it out to the letter. Said Kinane: “Lady Luck shone on me today. Maybe, Lady Luck hasn’t shone on Six Perfections on two occasions.
“I had a glance back and saw Johnny. I delayed my effort as long as I could and knew he mightn’t have time to get me. Yesterday will be better when stepping up in trip.”
Aidan O’Brien was positively glowing, after witnessing events unfolding. “Michael was perfection,” said O’Brien and there was no pun intended! “When she gets to the front she stops, but Michael couldn’t wait any longer. We have always felt she wanted a mile and a half.
“She goes on fast ground, but there is no doubt an ease would be a help to her. She doesn’t mind and it inconveniences other horses.”
Yesterday is now right on target for the Oaks at Epsom and was slashed from 7-2 to 7-4 favourite by Ladbrokes. Cashmans reacted by making her 9-4, from 4-1, while Boyles went 11-4.
Dermot Weld was thrilled with Dimitrova. Said Weld: “She ran a super race and I am very pleased. She has a choice of three races now. She could for the California Oaks, the Pretty Polly (Curragh) or the Coronation at Royal Ascot. Finally, Cashmans’ representative, Joe Burke, resisted the urge to accommodate one punter’s request for a bet. He asked what price Thulliez to get the ride back on Six Perfections, who was the medium of one massive wager on track, €50,000 to win €20,000.
