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Donal Murphy

Donal Murphy

Western scores on hurdles debut

Thu 26th Dec 2013, 13:17

Western Boy takes off at the last under David CaseyWestern Boy takes off at the last under David Casey
© Photo Healy Racing

Western Boy over turned some of his better fancied rivals as he took the Thorntons Recycling Maiden Hurdle under David Casey for Pat Fahy.

The son of Antonius Pius won a bumper at Thurles on his last start, and he was sent off a 12/1 chance for his hurdling debut, with Daneking going off the 5/2 favourite for Willie Mullins and Ruby Walsh.

The victorious bay gelding tracked the leaders in the early stages and he was seventh at the halfway stage.

He made progress entering the straight and he was ridden to lead before the last, keeping on well to score by three and a half lengths.

The Fran Flood trained Kylestyle kept on nicely to take second under Andrew McNamara at 25/1, while Daneking was a further length back in third.

David Casey said afterwards: "He is a nice horse. He has solid bumper form and he jumped well.

"I didn't intend being in front so early but he kept galloping. Pat is in Limerick I think, and his horses are in good form."

1st
12/1
Tote €18.40 €3.60
2nd
3.5L
25/1
€10.50
3rd
1L
5/2Fav
€1.60
4th
1.25L
9/2
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.