Murtagh strikes again with Windsor

Johnny Murtagh continued his good recent run when Windsor Beach ran out a convincing winner of the Morocco Sorec Apprentice Handicap at Leopardstown.

Denis Linehan was soon in front on the 2/1 favourite and he kicked a couple of lengths clear passing the two marker.

The Starspangledbanner gelding galloped on strongly in the closing stages to record a length-and-three-quarters victory.

“I put him out in the field this morning and he was bucking and kicking,” said Murtagh.

“He's a big horse and it took a bit of time for things to click into gear. He was knocking on the door.

“This looked an ideal race and I think he likes that ground. It probably turned a bit soft for him the last day.

“Everyone is mad for Galway but I think I'll let everybody go and keep him for after. That's his trip.

“It's great to get a winner for Paul Smith. He's been a great friend over the years and it's nice to finally train a winner for him.

“Denis is a very good rider. I told him to concentrate on his exams and he did. I said I'd look after him after the exams. He's good value for his 7lb and hopefully will be a big help to us for the rest of the year.”