Guessthebill wins Roscommon opener

Trainer Johnny Murtagh registered his fourth winner in a week when his Guessthebill under Denis Lenohn, landed the opening Irish Stallion Farms EBF Median Auction Race at Roscommon today.

The son of Reckless Abandon had won his maiden on good to firm ground at Navan in May but today showed his ability to handle heavy ground when grinding out a half length win over well backed 6/4f Sirjack Thomas

Murtagh, moving on to the 19 winner mark for the season, later stated “I picked out this race a while ago and thought it might be a bit easier than that but when we turned up on the day there were three nice horses in it.

“The trip was a small question mark but Denis (Lenihan) said he got it well and he relaxed well today.

“This is what he probably is and what he did earlier in the year was a bonus. We'll have a look at the Birdcatcher over six at Naas now; he's been there before, likes the track and that would probably be it for the season then.”

He added “the lads bred him themselves so they are absolutely delighted; they’re all Dubs fans and they said it was nearly better than when Dublin won the All-Ireland!”

Quotes from Gary Carson