John Murphy© Photo Healy Racing
On her eighteenth outing Carraigin Aonair (Niall McCullagh up) made the breakthrough at odds of 33/1 in the concluding Flat Finale October 29th Handicap at Leopardstown.
John Murphy has had a good October with wins for Grande Waltz, Appointment Only and Song Of The Sky, and here Carraigin Aonair came through from behind to get the better of Mydor (had looked a likely scorer) by half a length.
There was the same distance back to Nannys Well (didn't really get the run of the race and finished off well) in third, whilst there was just a head to Coolfighter in fourth.
"We've been a long time waiting. She's disappointed plenty of times and been the bridesmaid but stuck at it well today," said Murphy.
"She was down to a weight she could compete off.
"She's had a few runs over hurdles so I'll talk to the owner and we might keep her hurdling during the winter. She appears to handle tougher conditions."
The Stewards enquired into an incident shortly after leaving the stalls involving Aimhirgin Lass ridden by O.J. Orr, Elm Grove ridden by W.J. Lee, Greanta ridden by R.P. Downey, Afzal (FR), ridden by W.M. Lordan, and Athenry Boy ridden by M.C. Hussey.
Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that R.P.Downey was in breach of Rule 214 in that he rode carelessly and having considered his record, suspended him for one race day.
(GC & EM)
