Kid relishes step up in trip to run out easy winner for Murphy

The Mpex Kid relished the step up in trip when proving far too strong for the opposition in the second division of the Three Men, Ten Years, And A Dream Apprentice Handicap at Dundalk.

Although he had raced over further than a mile on a few occasions earlier in his career, the Ciaran Murphy trained gelding had only ever won over 7f(on turf) and twice over a mile(at Dundalk).

However, after staying on nicely into third on his most recent start at this track last month, connections wisely decided that it was worth chancing the now seven-year-old at the longer distance once again.

Having travelled into the race easily, the Jamie Powell ridden gelding led over a furlong out before powering clear under topweight to record an easy three-quarter-length win from the staying on Wajaaha

Now that he has proven he stays ten furlongs and if anything, might even be better over it at this stage of his career, it opens but more options for the winter.

Aaron Murphy, brother and assistant trainer said: “We thought after a nice run the last day we’d step him up in trip and we knew he goes on the surface.

“He’s versatile and can come back to a mile. He’s a solid horse to have in the yard and will be back over the winter trying to win a few more.”

The race title refers to Paul Leech (well-known owner with horses like Suprise Package, won Imperial Cup at Sandown last year) and his friends John McKeown and Bernard Coles who have enjoyed a horseracing weekend in Ireland over the past ten years starting every year in Dundalk.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee.