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Donal Murphy

Donal Murphy

Phil completes treble for Walsh & Elliott

Fri 4th Nov 2016, 15:46

A Toi Phil jumps the last under Ruby WalshA Toi Phil jumps the last under Ruby Walsh
© Photo Healy Racing

A Toi Phil made it a treble on the day for Ruby Walsh, Gordon Elliott, and Gigginstown House Stud, as he took the Porter & Co. Beginners Chase.

Making his debut for Elliott, the six-year-old son of Day Flight won twice for Willie Mullins last season, the highlight of which was a Grade 2 over flights at Leopardstown.

Having his first start over fences this afternoon, he was sent off the 4/5 favourite.

Settled in mid-division his task was made a bit easier when stable mate Be The Hero crashed out at the seventh last.

He took closer order from five out, and was in a share of the lead at the next. He was pushed to the front before the last, and kept on well under pressure on the run-in, going on to score by four and a half lengths. Art Of Payroll (10/1) finished second under Jonathan Burke for Sandra Hughes, while Woodford Island who was backed from 8's to 11/2 on-course, fell two out when still in contention.

Ruby Walsh said afterwards: "He wouldn't be a horse that is ever overly impressive or win too far, but he jumped super, I thought he jumped really well. He has a good attitude to jump, he travelled well and I don't think he ever looked like getting beaten.

Gordon Elliott added: "He is a nice horse. It was his first run for us, and he jumped well, and he'll do his job. He will probably go for a graded race next, maybe the Drinmore."

Paddy Power make A Toi Phil a 25/1 chance for the JLT Novices' Chase at Cheltenham in March.

Additional reporting by Michael Graham

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.