Murtagh and McCullagh combine for special win at Gowran

Odds-on favourite Champers Elysees (5/6) took the step up to Group Three company in her stride to win the Coolmore Stud No Nay Never Fairy Bridge Stakes at Gowran.

Rescheduled from Tipperary’s abandoned meeting last Thursday, this extended seven furlong contest saw the Johnny Murtagh-trained and Niall McCullagh-ridden Champers Elysees settled behind the leaders on the outer.

Fifth at the halfway stage, the ultra impressive Galway scorer challenged towards the stand's side two furlongs out.

Ridden to lead over a furlong out, Fitzwilliam Racing’s three-year-old kept on well in the final furlong to beat second favourite Pearls Galore by half a length.

English raider Parent’s Prayer was five lengths back in third.

“I was so sick last week when Tipperary was called off but thankfully the race was rescheduled to here and I thought the track would suit her well,” said Murtagh.

“She really improved from Galway, and had a better prep coming into this race.

“If everything is alright she’ll go for the Matron. It’s a bit tight and if this race was on last week it would have given us two weeks but she’s tough and hardy.

“I’m delighted for Niall that he was able to ride a Group winner for us. He’s a big part of my life and of our team since we started.

“He’s been out injured a long time and has worked hard to get back. I’m delighted to be able to pay him back as he put in a lot of work early in the year and then missed out on a lot of winners.”

(AM & EM)