Racing · Irish Racing

Dundalk Preview

As the race for the jockeys' title nears its conclusion, Johnny Murtagh takes a seven-winner lead into Friday's meeting and starts off with Romeo's On Fire in the opening Group Discounts At Dundalk Stadium Race (6.30).

Ger Lyons' five-year-old is a major player and the only opponent ahead of him on official ratings is Russian Empress - the mount of Murtagh's championship rival Pat Smullen.

Murtagh just failed to reward favourite-backers on Iron Major here last week, but the pair bid to defy a 2lb higher mark in the Dining Specials At Dundalk Stadium Nursery.

He should have the measure of third Fait Accompli on that evidence, but Rock Pipit earned her top-weight with a victory at this venue recently and is a definite threat.

Lyons has multiple runners in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Maiden, but Murtagh's mount Shirley Blake is definitely the one to beat judging by her two placed efforts here.

Miss Faustina and Hen Night aren't without chances, while Tommy Stack's Moriches makes most appeal of the newcomers.

Excelerate is the highest-rated horse on show at the fixture and goes to post for the bookings@dundalkstadium.com Race, in which he probably has Settigano to beat.

Impressionist Art had the reopposing Moon Luck and Senor Tommie behind when chasing home Duaiseoir last week and deserves a change of luck in the Crowne Plaza Race & Stay Handicap. Spring Hawk is the one he has most to fear from.

The biggest prize of the evening goes to the winner of the Buy Your Sonny Knowles Book Handicap and Bobs Pride reverts from jumping fences.

He's still weighted to go close in this sphere but this contest is ultra-competitive, while the concluding Crowne Plaza Jockey & Trainer Championship Handicap sees a rematch between Space Race and Inis Ceithleann, who were separated by two and a half lengths when first and second respectively here last week.

 
RTÉ.ie Sport: Johnny Murtagh
Johnny Murtagh
More Sport Headlines

Ear to the Ground - Point to Point Day

Ella McSweeney reports from Dungarvan on the positive impact that a Point to Point meeting has on rural life. Play

The Brady Bunch

A radio documentary that meets with the renowned Irish horse trainer, Oliver Brady. Read

Saturday Sport - Dick O'Sullivan

Dick O'Sullivan talks about his career with the Irish Greyhound Board and Punchestown racecourse. Play

2010 Toshiba Champion Hurdle

Watch Solwhit's victory in the hurdling feature and hear reaction from Davy Russell and Charles ByrnesPlay

2010 MCR Hurdle

Watch Puyol, ridden by John Cullen and trained by John Mulhern, take the MCR Hurdle at LeopardstownPlay

In Pictures: 2000-2009

A pictorial review of the last ten years in sport. Read

Odds & The Pursuit Of Value

Read Barry McEneaney's betting guide on maximising profits and minimising losses. Read

Betting Exchanges For Beginners

Breaking the habits of a lifetime isn't easy, but punters who fail to avail of the facility offered by betting exchanges are doing themselves a disservice. Read

Racing on RTÉ Sport

Ted Walsh will again be part of the RTÉ commenatry team

RTÉ Sport will be on hand to provide television, radio and online coverage of the main domestic meetings throughout the year. Read

Racing Diary

Your guide to all the upcoming race meetings and festivals from Ireland, UK and worldwide.Read

 
Inpho.ie