Eoin Walsh loses 5lb claim on Princess Sophia

Princess Sophia (10/1) made a winning debut for new trainer Ciaran Murphy, absent at the sales, in the second division of the two-mile handicap hurdle.

Placed three times in bumpers for Mags Mullins and returning from nearly eight months off, the six-year-old made just about all the running under Eoin Walsh who drove her into a clear lead running down to the last. Her advantage was eroded on the run-in but she was never in any danger of being caught and beat Movie King and the eyecatching Redwood Queen by a length and a quarter and the same.

Owners the Real Dirty Dozen Syndicate were out in force to welcome back their winner who wore a hood for the first time.

Walsh commented: “All credit to Ciaran and all the team at home. She’s not the most straightforward and he’s done a super job with her.

“Ciaran left it up to me but I was keen to make the running and go my own pace. Hopefully she’ll keep going forward.

“That’s my 50th winner so my claim will be down to 3lb now. I’m delighted to do it and not one of them came easy.”

Quotes from Alan Magee