Johnny Murtagh helped himself to a near 109-1 treble at Galway on behalf of his boss John Oxx as punters established a record attendance and Tote turnover for the Friday session of the summer festival. The Aga Khan's home-bred newcomer Dibiya proved a runaway winner of the Smithwicks Maiden to start the ball rolling, despite being easy to back as the 9-4 second favourite.
Taraza, likewise bred by the Aga Khan and running in his famous green and red colours, bounced back to form for Oxx and Murtagh in the featured Guinness Extra Stout handicap after running below par at the Curragh at the end of June. Previously successful in a maiden at Navan, Taraza was sent to the front by Murtagh, climbing the final hill to the straight and was always holding the run of Yayo to the line as the 13-2 chance prevailed by a length.
Murtagh rounded off the meeting attended by close on 24,000 spectators by booting home First Son in the concluding Guinness Race despite the son of Barathea drifting right out to 7-2 before outpacing the gambled-on Great Guns in the final furlong.
The Tote reported record business for the Friday night of £720,721, which however paled by comparison with the bookmakers' tally of £1,843,000. (PA)
Filed by Shane Murray
