Caroline and Johnny Murtagh have last laugh after Jocular success

Five-time champion-jockey and four-time Irish Derby winner, Johnny Murtagh savoured his first Derby success as a trainer when 20/1 shot Jocular proved best in a blanket-finish to the Done Deal Apprentice Derby at the Curragh last night.

And to make the victory of the Qatar Racing-owned gelding even sweeter was the fact that he was ridden to victory by Murtagh’s daughter Caroline.

Jocular forced the pace and soon enjoyed a clear lead. The pack closed before the straight. The four-year-old was headed over two furlongs out, but responded well to his rider’s driving, rallying and staying on stoutly to regain the advantage inside the final furlong before holding the late challenge of On A Pedestal by a half-length.