Lyons and Murtagh both record Dundalk hat-tricks

Jockey Johnny Murtagh completed an opening races hat-trick at Dundalk, riding two winners for trainer Ger Lyons, who himself went on to train a third winner.

Murtagh opened with David Wachman's Pursuit Of Glory (13/8 in the morning into 4/7 favoutite), who was no more than a steering job in the Ardea Fillies Maiden.

Afterwards Wachman reported "Pursuit Of Leisure needed her debut run and was much sharper today. She'll go for a Stakes race next."

Half an hour later, the Co Meath rider was made work hard to win on Ger Lyons' Achak in the Annagassan (C & G) Maiden.

The son of Invincible Spirit chased the leaders, was under pressure from two furlongs and eventually only got his head in front on the line.

Lyons later reported "Achak came on well from his last run but is still a big weak horse who will need time to mature. That is probably his last run of the year."

Lyons provided Murtagh with his third winner of the evening when Turk landed the Drogheda Handicap.

Afterwards Lyons praised Murtagh's handling of the gelding saying "that is not Turk's best trip but I decided to run him because the race was confined to three year olds. Johnny rode the race to perfection though."

He added "Turk wants seven furlongs or a mile and is a tough, honest horse."

Lyons, for good measure, went on to record a personal hat-trick, winning the Dundalk Nursery with Kinetic Quest under stable apprentice Emmett McNamara.

Lyons was quick to praise his staff for his recent run of form, especially at the Co Louth venue.