Murphy keeps up good work

Ferdy Murphy continued his good run when Paphian Bay won a dramatic opening ‘Leeds Rhinos’ Maiden Hurdle under Davy Russell at Wetherby today.

Jodante unseated Russ Garritty at the second flight, while approaching the fourth David O’Meara’s mount Doe Nal Rua ran out, crashing through the wing of the hurdle. Fortunately, both riders and both horses escaped injury.

And there was a scare at the business end for Paphian Bay (5-1), who wandered about approaching the hurdle, causing Russell to lose an iron.

But he got his mount safely over and kept him going well to the line to hold Count The Cost by one and a half lengths.

Murphy said: “Things are going well, touch wood. Our new all-weather gallop has made a massive difference.

“I am pleased for Paphian Bay’s owner, Simon Hubbard Rodwell, grandson of the late Geoff Hubbard. He runs a stud in Suffolk and this is his first winner.”