Sonnyboyliston caps big day for Murtagh

Sonnyboyliston capped a terrific day for trainer Johnny Murtagh when claiming the Listed Martin Molony Stakes at Limerick this evening.

Murtagh had landed his first winner as a trainer at Royal Ascot with Create Belief earlier in the day and Sonnyboyliston went to post a strongly supported 6/5 shot.

Shane Kelly tracked the leaders on the Power gelding before asking him to take closer order turning for home.

The chestnut tackled Sunchart over a furlong out and got on top in the closing stages to record a length-and-a-half success.

Sonnyboyliston had been a fine third in the Group 3 Ormonde Stakes behind Japan at Chester last month.

"I've had a few thirds but that's my first black-type winner and it is a big day for the yard,” said Kelly.

“All the horses ran well in Ascot so I was coming here really confident because he had been working with those horses.

"He is a nice horse, had a very good run in Chester and I think he can step up again.

"I'm with Johnny three and a half years and I'm getting plenty of chances so I'm delighted to repay him."

(Quotes by Tom Weekes)