Murtagh goes four clear aboard impressive Takar

The 11/4 favourite Takar almost certainly provided Johnny Murtagh (now four clear of Pat Smullen) with the Jockeys Championship as he ran out an impressive winner of the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden over 7f.

Having finished fourth on his debut at the Curragh behind Call To Battle the John Oxx trained son of Oratorio was pushed into the lead over a furlong and soon quickened clear to win impressively by eight lengths.

Newcomer Place Vendome for Aidan O'Brien and Seamie Heffernan finished second at 14/1 while Regulation at 10/3 completed the placings a further three parts of a length back in third for Mick Halford and Gary Carroll.

Winning trainer John Oxx said afterwards: "He won well. I was afraid the ground was a bit gluey for him.

"He ran well at the Curragh but probably needed the run and found a mile a bit far. He doesn’t move like he would travel on soft ground but he did it well.

"He will start off in a Listed race next year and he has plenty of ability. He is athletic and is out of a good mare (Takarouna) who won the Pretty Polly. He should be a stakes horse."

Speaking about winning rider and Champion Jockey elect Johnny Murtagh, Oxx added: "It's great for Johnny. He has been determined all year. It's been a big effort and he has shown enthusiasm and dedicated and is still one of the best in Europe.