Empire Of Dirt and Jonathan Moore© Photo Healy Racing
Claiming jockey Jonathan Moore had his claim reduced in the best possible way when steering the Michael O'Leary owned (Gigginstown House Stud) Empire Of Dirt to Grade A glory in the Coral.ie Leopardstown Handicap Chase at Leopardstown today, winning for trainer and former employer Colm Murphy.
The son of Westerner moved through to lead on the inside turning into the home straight and in the end stayed on gamely for a two and a quarter lengths win over Killer Crow
Moore also enjoyed a win in this season's Cork Grand National and, riding his 20th winner, had his claim reduced to five pounds as a result.
Afterwards Murphy, trainer of Brave Inca and Big Zeb, stated “he's (Empire Of Dirt) been disappointing but has probably been unlucky. He was unlucky in the Troytown when he tipped up two out and the last day in the Paddy Power was a non-event when he missed the start.
“He doesn't go the other way (right-handed) and we had big plans for him last year but he fell at the first in the Irish National and I'm not sure if he'll go that route again and we might look at Cheltenham and Aintree.”
He added “Johnny (Moore) was with me for a couple of years but when we got quiet there were no opportunities for him. He gave him a fantastic ride and he'd have known the horse well.
“I'd have been disappointed if he hadn't run well but when you are not popping in the winners, you don't have the same confidence.
“We're lucky we have a few nice horses but that's the problem, we only have a few but it's great to do it on a big show like this.
“We don't have the fire power like we used to and that's great for everyone in the yard.
“I've no doubt if we get the horses we'll have big days but unfortunately, bar you have the big guns it's not easy.”
By Tom Weekes, quotes from Gary Carson
