Sister Blandina wins again for Murtagh

Sister Blandina has proved a great servant to connections this term, and recorded her fourth victory of the campaign by getting up virtually on the line in the Meath Handicap at Navan.

The Johnny Murtagh-trained filly won off a rating of 52 at Bath back in May but, such has been her progress since, the daughter of Mastercraftsman defied a new high mark of 81 in this ten-furlong race.

The lead changed hands a number of times in the straight with Green Or Black taking it up over a furlong out.

Seamie Heffernan mounted his challenge on Sister Blandina inside the final furlong, and the 7/1 chance (11/1 this morning) just prevailed by a nose. Fire And Passion and The Nutcracker both came home well to claim the minor honours in this 19-runner event.

Murtagh said, “She's a fantastic filly and is improving all the time.

“I'd say that might be it for the year but the owners are keen to go next year. I said to them she might improve into a premier handicap filly. She's only growing into herself now.

“It was a great ride. He was confident he had won but I wasn't so confident.”

(GC & AM)