Murphy has Aintree in mind for Europa

Ferdy Murphy is targeting Europa at the totesport Wigan Chase at Aintree on October 24.

The Irishman purchased the eight-year-old for 33,000gns at the August Sale at Doncaster for new owner Trevor Hemmings.

Europa, who used to be trained by Tom Tate, scored three times over fences during 2002 but rather lost his way last season and ended up being sent over hurdles again.

However, the Leyburn handler reports the gelding to have been working well, and as he has dropped markedly down the handicap, he may consider the Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham in November as another target.

“We’ll put Europa in the Wigan Chase,” said Murphy.

“He’s done really well here and had plenty of schooling. We’d be very happy with him at the moment as he’s trained great and is straightforward. He’s had a few little niggly problems but we think we’ve sorted them out.”