Trans City and Murtagh team up well

Johnny Murtagh got a great tune out of the Ger Lyons-trained Trans City to win the Bushmills Irish Whiskey handicap over a mile and a quarter at Down Royal at odds of 7/1.

The gelding beat 9/4 market leader Why But Why into second place by a length and three parts with Music On D Waters three parts back in third at 4/1.

Ger Lyons was delighted with the result for owners Vincent and Geraldine Gaul from Oldtown, Co Dublin. He said: “He’s a lovely horse and I’ve always rated him.

“Heavy ground doesn’t suit him. I can see him as a dual purpose horse.” Crystal Belle was subject to on course support from 11/2 to 7/2. The filly led, but was headed two furlongs out and weakened to finish last.

Michael Graham