Trainer Murtagh completes Gowran treble

Johnny Murtagh bagged a treble at Gowran today as the Classic winner completed the feat in the Dining Packages At Gowran Park Handicap with the Bill Lee partnered Finding Nero

Ex-top jockey Murtagh has held his license since 2013, a year after he assisted trainer Tommy Carmody in preparing Royal Diamond to win the Irish St Leger, a horse he subsequently trained himself.

Today Murtagh registered his second training treble, beginning with Luminent Festina Plente and completed with Finding Nero, which was a neck winner from staying-on runner-up Major Reward

Afterwards the trainer reported “it's great that he's back on the winning track.

“In fairness to Adam Farragher the last time he ran he said he didn't get much of a run. He said he was travelling very well.

“The race suited him today, a fast run race and he was able to relax early. We took the hood off him today as I think he was just lobbing at home with the hood and he's come alive.

“He's won three this year so he's on the upgrade and hopefully he can go again.

“I'm delighted to get the treble today.”

Quotes from Gary Carson