Murtagh takes Barry mount

Johnny Murtagh has been booked to ride Eoin Griffin’s Chester Cup hope Admiral Barry.

The six-year-old progressed rapidly through the handicap ranks last season, winning valuable prizes at Galway and the Curragh.

He was well fancied for the Cesarewitch on his final start but Griffin believes there were plenty of excuses for that poor run.

“We gave him a break after the Cesarewitch,” said Griffin. “That was his only blot on his copybook. He was badly drawn and he’s a horse who needs cover.

“When they turned for home he was still in contention but he pulled off a shoe and finished lame. We’ve aimed him at this, it’s the race I’ve had in mind for him. I think it will suit him.

“He’s a horse that likes the hustle and bustle of races when he’s in amongst it and I think you’ll get that around there.

“He’s on a nice weight at the moment and I’ve booked Johnny Murtagh to ride him. We’re hopeful that he’ll run a big race,” Griffin told At The Races.

Admiral Barry is 16-1 with the sponsors for the totesport Chester Cup.