Swamp Fox clear the last ahead of Is She Diesel© Photo Healy Racing
Swamp Fox recorded yet another big race success, as he landed the feature at Killarney this afternoon, the Dawn Milk Run Handicap Hurdle.
Successful in the Amateur Handicap on the Monday of Galway last year, the Joe Murphy trained five-year-old then won the Lartigue Hurdle at Listowel, winning the Coranna Handicap Hurdle on his most recent start at Ballinrobe.
Up to a mark of 140, the versatile five-year-old was sent off at 8/1 today with Barry Browne claiming a valuable seven pounds.
Settled behind the leaders, the son of Windsor Knot was sixth with a circuit to race. He improved into third after four out, and went second before the next.
He was ridden into a narrow lead on the approach to two out, and he extended his advantage on the run-in, going on to score by two and a half lengths.
The well-backed Is She Diesel (12s this morning, returned the 9/2 favourite) hit the front after four out, but ultimately had to settle for second under JJ Slevin for Seamus Fahey
The ultra-consistent Camlann (7/1) was another four and a half lengths away in third for Rachael Blackmore and John 'Shark' Hanlon.
Murphy said afterwards: "He is just a courageous horse and is fierce game. All he does is eats, sleeps and runs.
"We have him in Galway in the Amateur Handicap (which he won under Browne last year), the Hurdle and in a 1m 4f handicap so we'll see what happens. All options are opened.
"I always thought this horse would go to the top as he has the right attitude for racing and it's well to have him.
"Barry's 7lbs claim was vital in a race like that and he knows the horse and gets on well.
"And he always wins at a good price!"
STEWARDS REPORTS
L.P. Dempsey, rider of Tudor City trained by A.J.Martin, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount hung badly left during this race.
P.T. Enright, rider of Copy Print trained by John J. Walsh, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount was pulled up having gone lame from striking into himself.
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
