Gary Carson
Murtagh doubles up with Safecracker
Safecracker and Ben Coen
© Photo Healy Racing
Safecracker got a lovely run up the rail to give Johnny Murtagh a double on Derby Day at the Curragh.
Ben Coen produced his mount on the inner to challenge over a furlong from home in the 'Ragusa' Handicap over a mile-and-a-half.
The 15/2 shot grabbed the lead inside the final furlong in the €100,000 contest and stayed on well in the closing stages to post a three-parts-of-a-length victory over Zoffman
Murtagh had also landed another big pot with Blues Emperor on the card and he said afterwards:-
Murtagh said:- “He’s probably due that. I fancied him the last day in Cork and he was staying on well (when finishing second).
“Today Ben said they didn’t go that quick but they got racing early. He was going to go out and the gap opened on the inside. He dived in and is a very genuine horse.
“It’s great to win another big pot this weekend (third winner for yard) and this is the last horse that Godolphin have in Ireland.
“He’s so solid and runs his race every day. Maybe something like the Ebor could be a good race for him.”
(Quotes by Alan Magee)