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Donal Murphy

Donal Murphy

Emerald shines in the Blenheim Stakes

Sun 29th Sep 2013, 15:47

Shining Emerald comes home in front under Chris HayesShining Emerald comes home in front under Chris Hayes
© Photo Healy Racing

Shining Emerald followed up on his easy maiden success at Listowel, as he took the Listed Anglesey Lodge Equine Hospital Blenheim Stakes.

The Paul Deegan trained son of Clodovil finished second and third on his first two starts, but he made it third time lucky at Listowel, winning by an unprecedented sixteen lengths.

He was sent off at just 7/2 this afternoon and having raced towards the rear in the early stages, the victorious Jaber Abdullah owned colt made progress under Chris Hayes two furlongs out.

He came through to lead around a furlong from home, keeping on strongly from there to score comfortably by three lengths. Guerre for Aidan and Joseph O’Brien, was sent off the 8/11 favourite but he had no answer once headed by the winner, and he had to settle for second, while Monsieur Power was three and a quarter lengths back in third under Declan McDonogh for Eddie Lynam at 12/1.

Paul Deegan said afterwards: "He did a bit of work before Listowel that was excellent with Avenue Gabriel and a few older horses, and his form overall is very solid.

"It is beautiful good ground out there today, it is what I would call no excuse ground.

"Hopefully he will go now for the Killavullan Stakes (Leopardstown October 26th). He is fairly versatile in regards to trip. He quickened well and put it to bed.

"He is an exciting colt for next year. All going well he will start off in a guineas trial, but that is a long way off."

Additional reporting by Alan Magee

About Donal Murphy
Donal graduated from Maynooth University in 2010 with a BBS in Equine Business and since attained a diploma in Sports Journalism from Dublin Business School. He holds a variety of roles in the horse racing industry, reporting for the Press Association and p2p.ie, while also working for SIS and the Tote. From Wexford, he is a keen runner and has completed over 100 parkruns at various locations around the country.