Murphy books National ticket in feature

The Irish Grand National looks next on the agenda for My Murphy after the Liam Burke-trained gelding stayed on well to take the featured Irish Stallion Farms EBF Novice Handicap Chase at Navan.

The eight-year-old went close in the Grade 2 Ten Up Novice Chase here last month but gained ample compensation by going one better in this €50,000 event.

Robbie Power’s mount joined issue at the second last in the three-mile stamina test, and the 7/1 co favourite stayed on well on the run-in to beat More Madness by a length and a quarter. Please Talk was a further five and a half lengths adrift in third, while Grand Jesture appeared to be travelling as well as anything early in the straight but faded to finish fourth.

Winning trainer Liam Burke said, “He has to be able to see his fences, and just won’t jump when he’s covered up.

“He was very fresh here the last day when second to Foxrock but was off the bridle all the time today. However that’s the best way to have him and he’s tough.

“The Irish National is the plan providing the ground is not too fast.”