See also » Well-backed Purse another winner for Murphy
I've always liked him and he's a class horse. He was a big two-year-old and he kept growing. I hope he's stopped now. He'd have no problem going back to six furlongs, and there are plenty of good handicaps for him. Things are going well at the moment but it's not always that way, and today's news wraps tomorrow's fish! Joseph G Murphy, trainer

The Stewards requested a report from Joseph G. Murphy, trainer as to the apparent improvement in form of Shepherd's Purse (GB), winner, as compared with its recent form. The trainer reported that his charge lost his way last season as a 3 year old after being a very good 2 year old that won first time out. He said he grew alot as a 3 year old, and threw a number of splints and so had an interrupted season which proved very disappointing. He has since strengthened up considerably and his work has improved in recent times, and all the horses in his stable are in great form lately, and he attributed any apparent improvement in form to these factors. Having considered the report, the Stewards noted it's contents.

An extended handicap for three yrs old and upwards (100 = 10st)
Penalties - (after calculation of the handicap) A winner shall carry 5lb extra; for each race won. Any horse rated above 100 shall initially be treated as having that rating and the highest weight allotted shall be 10st. Subsequently, the excess over 100 in any rating shall be added to the weight allotted to that horse. (For the purpose of this note, any three year old rated above 100 shall have the applicable weight for age allowance then prevailing deducted from the horse's rating prior to the original calculation of the handicap)