Murtagh closes in on title
Barring miracles, Murtagh will be crowned champion tomorrow night at the County Louth track, although he’s unlikely to be present due to a suspension picked up two weeks ago.
With just two days of action remaining at Dundalk Murtagh remains six clear of reigning champion Pat Smullen after both riders recorded a single win last night.
The Ger Lyons-trained Wit And Wisdom, a strong 11/8 favourite, was opening his account at the fourth attempt and had to work hard to see off Miss Velocity.
In the winner’s enclosure, Murtagh commented: “That’ll help. But it’s not over until it’s over, on Friday. Ger has been a big help over the last few weeks.”
Smullen carried the colours of Khalid Abdullah to an impressive win on the Dermot Weld-trained Address Unknown in the two-year-old maiden, the Oasis Dream coming from the pace and squeezing through a gap at the furlong-pole before stretching clear to slam Hot Sand by three lengths.
The winning rider explained: “He’s a nice colt and had been doing things right at home. So we fancied him going to Leopardstown. Unfortunately, he got very upset at the start and in the stalls. He gave himself a fright and ran no race. Today, the plan was to give him time and get him settled, to educate him and let him enjoy his race. He travelled well and picked up when I asked him. He’s a nice prospect for next year.”
After an abortive trip to the track recently, Gordon Elliott is planning a return to Wolverhampton for Grand Opera following his courageous defeat of Avanti Albert in the www.dundalkstadium.com Handicap.
The tough and versatile six-year-old, strongly ridden by Declan McDonogh, got home by only a head after a protracted battle, prompting Elliott to comment: “He improved from his run in Wolverhampton and will go back there in two weeks for an £18,000 handicap. He’ll have a few more run on the all-weather before having a winter break and coming back over hurdles in the spring. He just doesn’t like winter ground.”
Willie Mullins reintroduced smart four-year-old hurdler Mourad in the 500th Race At Dundalk Since The Opening Race. But the Paul Townend-ridden even-money favourite, having held every chance through the last two furlongs, went down narrowly to the Billy Lee-ridden Funatfuntasia.
The Joanna Morgan-trained five-year-old was winning for the first time beyond a mile. And his trainer explained: “He’s always very keen, a very tough ride. And Billy was very good on him. He has plenty of ability, but things have to go his way. And tonight proves that he stays well.
“He should go up a few pounds for this and, if he does, he’ll qualify for Dubai. I hope to bring him there, along with Raise Your Heart and Fourpenny Lane.”
Michael Halford won both divisions of the one-mile Christmas Parties At Dundalk Stadium Apprentice Handicap and, not surprisingly, declared: “I was happy when they divided the race yesterday, because both horses (Hujaylea and Lord Kenmare) like fast ground and love it around here.”
Hujaylea landed the first division at the expense of Art Sleuth and Dawn Eclipse, providing Westport-born Conor Hoban with his third career win, thus reducing his claim from 10lb. to 7lb.
Halford said: “I’m delighted for Conor. He’s a very good young rider and losing the 10lb. is a boost. He should do well next year, when both Gary (Carroll) and Shane (Foley) will only be claiming 3lb. and Conor’s 7lb. will be very useful.”
Shane Foley was on board another course and distance winner Lord Kenmare, which hit the front well inside the final furlong to beat Little Bug in the second division, completing Halford’s double.
“He’s beginning to realise what’s required,” said Halford. “He likes passing horses. And the race panned out well for him.”
Having apparently failed to thrive with Chris Grant in England (unsuccessful in seven runs), Desert Ben returned to the winner's enclosure when scoring in the opening bookings@dundalkstadium.com over five furlongs.
The six-year-old Desert Prince gelding, clearly enjoying his return to Peter Casey's yard, had shown promise in two outings since his repatriation and did well to overcome a high draw here, weaving through under the trainer’s son Oliver to master Faynita well inside the final furlong.
Gleaming Silver started favourite to complete a double for Johnny Murtagh and Ger Lyons in the finale. But, after experiencing a troubled passage, she never threatened as Padraig Beggy brought the Leslie Winters-trained Vivacious Vivienne with a late challenge to nail longshot Haaf Ok close home.
