Soul Searcher makes good start in Ireland

Johnny Murtagh saddled two in the Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund Connacht Oaks Fillies Handicap. His 3/1 chance Sister Blandina finished fourth under Niall McCullagh but on her debut for the yard the Rory Cleary-ridden Soul Searcher (14/1) came out on top.

The French-import, running for owner Wendy O'Leary, asserted well inside the last to beat Ringside Humour by two lengths.

Soul Searcher and Ringside Humour left some of the market principals - Lagostovegas (7/4 favourite) and the aforementioned Sister Blandina (3/1), seven lengths and a head back in third and fourth.

"I fancied Sister Blandina coming down but Eddie O'Leary was adamant that she handled soft ground well in France," disclosed Murtagh.

"She was bought with the aim of trying to get a bit of black-type. She'll have to improve and has a bit to go to get that but she's an honest staying filly and I think she is capable of further improvement."

Soul Searcher was bred by the O'Leary's Lynn Lodge Stud.

(GC & EM)