Johnny Murtagh celebrated his 33rd birthday in the best possible fashion by landing the 7f fillies handicap at Gowran Park with his gardener Dermot Murphy's Twiggy's Sister. Indeed, this was Murtagh's initial winner for Rathangan permit-holder Murphy.
'The ground and the trip suited her ideally,' said Murphy, who has looked after Murtagh's gardening interests for the past 10 years.
Murtagh later went on to complete a 119/1 double by collecting the second division of the 9f maiden with John Oxx's Rainbow World. Sporting the colours of Ann Marshall from Dunboyne, Rainbow World just held on to beat the unlucky Allied Victory by a head.
'He will probably now go for a handicap,' ventured Oxx's assistant 'Slim' O'Neill.
The Aidan O'Brien-trained Antonius Pius had little mjore than an exercise canter in the opening 7f 2yo maiden. Ridden by Mick Kinane, the 2/7 shot went clear from 3f out to beat Asanine by 6L and this was O'Brien's 5th straight victory in this event.
The in-form Michael Halford was on the mark when Tipperary All Star, jointly owned by Cathal Ryan and his daughter Danielle, took the first part of the 9f maiden. Partnered by Tagdh O'Shea, the French-bred stuck to his task to account for Alisar by 1 1/2 lengths.
'He was well schooled over hurdles by the Late Anthony Powell and he could have one more run on the flat before we give him a break,' said Halford.
Filed by James McMahon
