A thrilling battle between the three protagonists in the flat jockeys championship saw Johnny Murtagh just force Zanara home in front in the one mile four furlong maiden at Clonmel this afternoon. The Meath rider, whose appeal against the two-day suspension which threatens to derail his title challenge is heard tomorrow, required every ounce of strength to get the filly home by a neck from Michael Kinane's mount Leopard Spot.
Pat Smullen was just a short-head behind on Ballerine in third in an enthralling finish which left the crowd buzzing as the trio pulled ten lengths clear of their rivals. Murtagh thus reduced Smullen's lead in the table to two, and had added cause for celebration with the news that he had secured his first ride in Tuesday's Melbourne Cup on German challenger Caitano.
Permit-holder Frank Oakes, father of Curragh trainer Irene, saddled his first winner in over thirteen years when Lucky Me sprang a 25/1 shock in Division 2 of the 0-50 handicap. "I gave up training to work at Woodpark Stud, and this is only a hobby for me now," said the delighted handler, who has just two in is care. "This horse came to me from England, and I thought he'd nearly win today as although he finished last at Gowran he ran away with my daughter Wendy there."
Sky To Sea gained reward for some consistent efforts of late when landing the one mile two furlong maiden under Eddie Ahern, easing home four-and-a-half lengths clear of the staying-on Beauty. Michael Grassick's winner was listed as a colt on the racecard, but was in fact gelded prior to the race.
Favourite backers began the day on a bright note as 4/1 market leader Doire-Chroinn came out on top in an exciting finish to the one mile two furlong handicap. Niall McCullagh sent the filly on entering the straight and she had enough in reserve to hold the fast-finishing Millennium Lily and Mad Madam Mym. Top-weight Sorvino had the first division of the 0-50 handicap in safe keeping from a long way out, Jim Bolger's charge eventually scoring by six lengths.
"Believe it or not, I'm a little disappointed - I thought he'd win easier," was owner-trainer Paddy Fennelly's reaction to Dark Magic's four-length triumph in the beginners' chase. He added: "The horse was lame for five days not too long ago, and maybe he wasn't as fit as he should have been today." Childers Road reeled in long-time leader Bob's Sarah two out to set up a comfortable victory in the maiden hurdle, while 10/1 shot In The Hat foiled a gamble on favourite Just In Debt when staying on gamely to capture the bumper. Wayne Lordan (four days) and Jerry O'Dwyer (two days) both picked up suspensions for whip abuse during the course of the afternoon.
Filed by Shane Murray
