Roca Tumu lines up Royal Ascot trip

Roca Tumu always in the front rank, picked up nicely under Billy Lee and forged home to take the mile handicap at the Curragh.

The three-year-old son of Footstepsinthesand is trained by Joanna Morgan and won by two and a quarter lengths at 8/1.

Lee dictated the fractions and kicked for the winning post over a furlong out. Conversational (12/1) came in second, a short head in front of Won Diamond who stayed on eyecatchingly well to be nearest at the finish at 11/2, having been off the bridle early.

“He won well. We always thought a mile and a quarter was his trip, but a mile there didn’t trouble him,” Joanna Morgan said.

“He was sleeping the last day. He didn’t know he was at the races. We always knew he wanted that ground.

“We had him in a Derby trial, but he got a stone bruise the week before. We’ve always thought a lot of him. He may run in the Britannia at Royal Ascot.”

Breeder Tommy Murphy, who is also a member of the Roca Tumu Syndicate, said: “My father was champion jockey in 1978 [T Murphy]. That’s what racing is all about; great fun. The whole syndicate is here and we’ll have a right session tonight!" Sacred Dragon trained and ridden by Johnny Murtagh, was the 7/2 favourite. He didn't land a blow today as he finished sixth of the 12 runners.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson