Air Chief pulls rank on rivals

JOHNNY Murtagh, who has decided not to appeal against his six-day ban imposed by the Newmarket Stewards last Friday, took the honours at Dundalk yesterday, completing a treble on Air Chief Marshall, Seven Summits and Fictional Account.

Air Chief Marshall, placed in Group 1 company last season looked head and shoulders above his three rivals for the seven-furlong Irish Stallion Farms Race and duly justified 1/4 favouritism, coasting into the lead with two furlongs to race before strolling clear to slam One Set by no less than fifteen lengths.

“He was entitled to do that, even on this year’s form,” said Murtagh. “He finished upsides Croisultan at Naas the last day and Liam McAteer’s horse went on to win the listed race at Fairyhouse on Saturday.”