Aghmorough Bridge and Simon Torrens win the Get In The Game Racing Maiden Hurdle © Photo Healy Racing
The Willie Murphy trained Aghmorough Bridge left punters scratching their heads after causing a 50/1 upset when staying on best to win the Get In The Game Racing Maiden Hurdle(in memory of Andrew McNamara) at Limerick.
A vastly experienced mare in point-to-points, winning three of her 18 starts between the flags, the seven-year-old had shown little when disappointing on her rules debut at Wexford last month.
However, the daughter of Doyen proved an altogether different proposition on this occasion, finding plenty when asked to go and win her race.
Appearing to be in trouble when pushed along on the inner turning into the straight, Aghmorough Bridge responded to Simon Torrens urgings to head leader Marciano before the second last.
Powering clear of her toiling rivals on the run to the last, the eventual winner stayed on to register a seven length win.
Willie Murphy said: “She jumps well and will probably jump a fence better. I was hoping for a good run as our horses had been sick for a couple of months but the horse yesterday (Barton Snow) ran well which was encouraging.
“She was a good point-to-point mare (won three times) and it was a toss-up between coming here or going back point-to-pointing.
“She will probably appear next over fences I’d imagine. The mother was a great mare and won eight times.”
Additional reporting by Alan Magee.
