Search
Cheltenham 2024
- Main Site
- Cheltenham Home
- Cheltenham Cards
- Cheltenham Results
- Cheltenham Offers
- Cheltenham Odds
- Cheltenham Tips
- Cheltenham News
- Prestbury Cup
- Cheltenham Videos
-
Cheltenham Statistics
- Leading Trainer
- Leading Jockeys
- Leading Owners
- Previous Years
- Previous Appearances
- Breeding Profile of Winners
- Lady Jockeys at The Festival
- Leading Jockey Award Winners
- Most Successful Jockeys of All Time
- Current Jockeys Competing at Cheltenham
- Most Successful Jockey In..
- Leading Trainer Award Winners
- Most Successfull Trainer All Time
- Current Trainers Competing at Cheltenham
- Most Successful Trainer In..
- Cheltenham Trainer/Runner Index
- Desktop Site
Cheltenham 2024
- irishracing.com
- Cheltenham
- News
- Roca Tumu lines up Royal Ascot trip
Michael Graham
Roca Tumu lines up Royal Ascot trip
Roca Tumu and Billy Lee pass the post first at the Curragh
© Photo Healy Racing
Roca Tumu always in the front rank, picked up nicely under Billy Lee and forged home to take the mile handicap at the Curragh.
The three-year-old son of Footstepsinthesand is trained by Joanna Morgan and won by two and a quarter lengths at 8/1.
Lee dictated the fractions and kicked for the winning post over a furlong out. Conversational (12/1) came in second, a short head in front of Won Diamond who stayed on eyecatchingly well to be nearest at the finish at 11/2, having been off the bridle early.
“He won well. We always thought a mile and a quarter was his trip, but a mile there didn’t trouble him,” Joanna Morgan said.
“He was sleeping the last day. He didn’t know he was at the races. We always knew he wanted that ground.
“We had him in a Derby trial, but he got a stone bruise the week before. We’ve always thought a lot of him. He may run in the Britannia at Royal Ascot.”
Breeder Tommy Murphy, who is also a member of the Roca Tumu Syndicate, said: “My father was champion jockey in 1978 [T Murphy]. That’s what racing is all about; great fun. The whole syndicate is here and we’ll have a right session tonight!" Sacred Dragon trained and ridden by Johnny Murtagh, was the 7/2 favourite. He didn't land a blow today as he finished sixth of the 12 runners.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson