Quick double for Murtagh as Step battles back

Johnny Murtagh sent out a quick double at Cork when Shore Step rallied gamely to just edge the verdict at the line in the six-furlong handicap.

Shane Foley bounced out and made the running on the 5/2 favourite but he looked like he was going to be claimed close home by Fuwairt

That rival was produced with a charge by Kevin Manning inside the final furlong and got his head in front briefly close home.

Shore Step battled back however and there was nothing between the pair flashing past the post. A photo revealed that Shore Step had his head down at the right time to secure a nose victory.

It was a seventh career success for the Footstepsinthesand gelding who had picked up prize-money on his previous four outings.

Foley said afterwards:- “He loves to be forward. You kind of have to leave your brain at home when you ride this lad. Johnny said not to look around and to just keep kicking.

“I sent him at the bottom of the straight, a lot of the time it doesn't work but with him it does as he loves to get away from them.

“I think he was headed 50 yards from the line and he stuck his head back out. He's very genuine and he tries his heart out.

“I was worried at the start as he was very warm and he didn't want to go into the stalls and that's not like him.

“Johnny Murtagh's horses are just flying.”