Murphy edges towards Irish national

Ferdy Murphy, who sent out Granit D’Estruval to land last year’s Powers Gold Label Irish Grand National, is set to bid for the Fairyhouse prize with Joes Edge on Easter Monday.

Murphy did not manage a winner at the Cheltenham Festival, but after reaching 50 for the season with Dolmur at Hereford today, he explained Joes Edge’s performance in the Jewson Novices’ Handicap Chase last week.

“He made one desperate mistake when he was travelling well and it basically knocked him right out of it,” said the Leyburn handler.

“As long as he continues to please me in the next few days I will definitely run him in the Irish National.”

Murphy saw Europa experience similar bad luck at Cheltenham in the Mildmay Of Flete Chase and will now point the gelding at the John Smith’s Grand National.

He added: “He was brought down when travelling beautifully, but I’ve always thought Aintree would play to his strengths and that’s where we’re going with him.”