Ostraka shocks with 66/1 Mercury success

Ostraka sprang a 66/1 shock in the featured Mercury Stakes at Dundalk tonight, giving trainer Danny Murphy a quick double on the card and James Ryan his first group winner.

The Profitable filly broke smartly in the Group 3 contest over five furlongs before tracking front-runner Tees Spirit after a furlong.

She travelled well to dispute again early in the straight and had the advantage passing the furlong pole.

The 83-rated performer stuck on gamely when asked for an effort, by Ryan, in the closing stages and held the late charge of Powerful Nation to record a head victory.

Murphy said afterwards: "Honestly, a quality filly.

"The Belgian chap has done a great job with her (on her back).

"I don't know what to say - I'm shellshocked, but I did fancy her. I did like the mare and she was working great.

"I believe in a lot of these sprints - and we won it last year - are all in the break. She was jumping out with the one (Eclairage) in the last race even though she is a four-year-old.

"Last night I sent young James the video of Dun Na Sead last year and I said that he had to do exactly the same. He did it and he didn't panic. He kept a little bit for the last 100 yards.

"I'm delighted for him, he is a good jockey and a nice kid too.

"We've had a disappointing year, but they are coming right now. The season is a bit too short!

"We are off to the Horses in Training Sale next week and let's see if we can pick up a few.

"She is staying around for sure. She will be a nice mare next year and I could even travel with her I'd say, she likes firm ground."

The win moved Ryan one ahead of Wayne Hassett in the race for the apprentice title. Adam Caffrey is now two behind on 29.

(Quotes by Michael Graham)