Casey Jem and Luke Murphy pictured on their way to victory© Photo Healy Racing
Luke Murphy recorded his first track success, as he guided Casey Jem to a comfortable win in the Coolmore NH Sires Maiden Hunters Chase.
A faller on his debut at Ballindenisk in December, the Tony Black trained son of Jeremy won his next two at Tallow and Durrow respectively, with Murphy aboard on both occasions.
A half-brother to 2012 Galway Plate runner-up Casey Top, the five-year-old gelding was sent off a 9/2 chance this afternoon.
Settled in mid-division he took closer order with a circuit to race, and cruised through to lead after two out, keeping on well from there to score by nine lengths. Hi Murphy finished second at 5/1, while 16/1 chance Bright Rett was another four and a quarter lengths back in third. New Earth was sent off the 11/4 favourite, but he unfortunately pulled up injured with just under a circuit to go.
Murphy, who is from Wexford, said afterwards: "I'm 22 and that's my first racecourse winner although I've ridden plenty point-to-point winners.
"This horse missed the first fence and got shuffled back but he won well and has been a super horse for me."
STEWARDS REPORTS
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer reported to the Stewards that Myrons trained by P.M.J.Doyle was found to have blood on both nostrils as a result of exercise induced pulmonary haemorrhage.
Mr T. Hamilton, rider of New Earth trained by Michael G. Kennedy, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount was pulled up having sustained an injury.
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
