Murphy waits with Zaarito

Colm Murphy is considering other options for Zaarito after deciding against letting him take his chance in the Christmas Party At Fairyhouse Maiden Hurdle this afternoon.

Although the track survived an early morning inspection, the frost did not come out of the ground as quickly as anticipated and racing had to be put back an hour before going ahead.

Murphy saddled the first two winners on the card in Kennel Bridge and Future All Star but chose not to run his exciting prospect Zaarito, who has yet to jump a hurdle in public having taken third in the Champion Bumper at the Cheltenham Festival back in March.

“Matt (O’Connor) was not totally happy with the ground and the old saying is if in doubt take him out,” said the trainer.

“He’s too good a horse to be taking any chances with. He’s in at Navan on Saturday so hopefully he will run there if the ground is OK.

“He’s very well and we do want to get him out soon.”