Brendan Murphy off the mark in the training ranks thanks to Annie

A successful owner in the past Brendan Murphy registered his initial winner since joining the training ranks when Annie Fior (50s into 33s) triumphed in the Leopardstown Members Handicap.

Seven pound apprentice Adam Farragher rode Annie Fior and though the nicely-backed Laughifuwant (9/2 into 3/1 favourite) ran well, it wasn't good enough to beat the victorious bottom-weight who gained the day by a neck.

“I was a little bit surprised at the pace that was there but was delighted to see her getting dropped in because it's difficult to try and pull her back and slow her down,” said Murphy on Annie Fior, 6th at this venue on Wednesday.

“In fairness to Adam he rode her to absolute perfection. I couldn't be happier with him.

“We've been waiting a while for this. I always knew she was capable of doing something like this.

“She just has to try and go out and do it with weight on her back now. That'll be the next move.

“We're based in Kanturk in Cork and I only took out the trainer's licence at the tail end of last year.

“We're only getting going now and we've a few nice horses in. We have four in training and eight in pre-training.

“After that performance I'm starting to really look forward to things. She's the first winner and thank God we've that one out of the way.

“We've only Flat horses in at the moment and we're leaning towards the Flat. The family have always been involved in breeding and we have some home-bred stuff to come on later in the season.

“I was involved in motor sport for a long time and it's only in the last eight years or so that I've taken more of an interest in the racing. I spent some time with Willie Mullins and was travelling head lad there for a while.”

The Stewards enquired into an incident in the final furlong involving Laughifuwant, ridden by C.T. Keane, and Annie Fior, ridden by A.J. Farragher, where it appeared Annie Fior got a bump close to the line.

Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards found C.T. Keane in breach of Rule 214 by riding carelessly and having taken his record into account cautioned him.

The Stewards requested a report from B.A.Murphy, trainer as to the apparent improvement in form of Annie Fior, placed first, as compared with its recent form.

The Trainer reported that this filly may have benefitted from a change of tactics today.

Also he felt that the timing of the run may have suited the filly.

Having considered the evidence the Stewards noted the explanation offered.

(GC & EM)