Catalaunian boost for Colm Murphy

Champion Hurdle-winning trainer Colm Murphy savoured a welcome change of luck when Catalaunian Fields landed the Thatch Bar Katies Kitchen Maiden Hurdle in Bellewstown last night.

Murphy acknowledged: “This game is a lonely place when you’re not having winners,” after watching the 8/11 favourite make all under Bryan Cooper (having his third winner since returning from a thumb injury) for an effortless win.

The Gigginstown-owned six-year-old coasted home eighteen lengths clear of Diva Dawn and Murphy admitted: “With a rating of 118, he was entitled to do that. I was just hoping the race would go to script. Ill have to see what the lads want to do next. But he’ll be going chasing sooner or later. Fences and three miles plus are what he wants.”