Murtagh wins opener at Gowran

The opening race this evening at Gowran Park, The Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden saw a thrilling finish with the Aidan O’Brien trained Joshua Tree just getting up in the closing stages to deny Saajidah from the Kevin Prendergast stable by a short head.

Winning jockey Johnny Murtagh was always prominent on the Montjeu colt, disputed for lead over 1f out, headed inside final furlong but kept on well under a strong drive by Murtagh to regain lead on the line.

Winning trainer Aidan O’Brien was not present.