Lucky Pat and Aaron Murphy© Photo Healy Racing
Samanntom and Allied Victory played up at the start and they were sent on their way nearly five minutes late for the Sean Hughes Memorial Handicap Chase at Kilbeggan. In the end the Martin Carey-owned and Dot Love-trained Lucky Pat defied top-weight under amateur rider Aaron Murphy.
Murphy's seven pound claim was no harm at all but Lucky Pat would have been hard to beat in any case judging by the way the now three time course winner disposed of this field.
In the end the 9/1 chance had three and a half lengths in hand over Stonehall Jack
"We had him ready for this. That was the plan starting off here," said assistant Mrs Love's assistant, Ciaran Murphy (a brother of the winning jockey).
"Fair play to Aaron he gave him a lovely ride and with the 7lb off him we were hoping he'd run a nice race.
"We've always thought plenty of him and then he had an injury. The ground was never quick enough for him in the autumn and he had two or three lovely runs. We left him off then and said we'd wait for the ground.
"There is a real good handicap in him. We have the Galway Plate and the Midlands National in our heads long term.
"He handles around here and won over hurdles here. We knew he'd handle the track, he's very balanced and jumps beautifully so that's a big help to him.
"He loves Galway so it would be the main plan if it worked out."
The Stewards received a report from the Clerk of the Scales, Mr.P.L.Malone, that Mr A. Murphy, rider of Lucky Pat, weighed in 1.2.lbs overweight. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that the rider was in breach of Rule 231 and having considered his record, cautioned him concerning his future responsibilities in this regard.
(GC & EM)
