Murtagh bridges 10-year gap on Adiynara

AN infrequent visitor to Ballinrobe in recent years, Johnny Murtagh notched his first win at the picturesque County Mayo track since 2001 when the Aga Khan-owned Adiynara landed the Irish Stallion Farms Median Auction Maiden last night.

Always close to the pace, despite a wide draw, in the nine-furlong event, Adiynara responded bravely to Murtagh’s urgings to hold off the persistent challenge of 5/4 favourite Jouster by a neck.

Adiynara is trained by Michael Halford, who commented: “She’s rated 73 and was due a turn. She was helped by the cheekpieces and a god ride from Johnny. She did it well from a wide draw and battled well when the favourite came at her. It’s nice to get a bracket with her and, now that she got her in front, she could go on from here.”