Johnny Murtagh partnered his first winner for his Rathangan-based gardener Dermot Murphy by steering Twiggy's Sister to victory in the May European Breeders Fund Fillies Handicap at Gowran Park last night.
Twiggy's Sister went to the front a furlong out and had just enough in reserve to fend off the fast-finishing Ennistown Lady by a short head.
Murtagh went on to complete a 119/1 double by landing the second division of the Tote Exacta Maiden with John Oxx's Rainbow World. Owned by Ann Marshall from Dunboyne, Rainbow World occupied a prominent position throughout and just lasted home to beat the somewhat-unlucky Allied Victory by a head.
Aidan O'Brien saddled his sixth juuvenile winner of the season following Antonius Pius' smooth success in the opening May European Breeders Fund Maiden. Partnered by Mick Kinane, the $1.5 million yearling purchase went clear three furlongs out to beat Asanine by a comprehensive six lengths.
Michael Halford is in the midst of a purple patch and he was on the mark when Tipperary All Star and Tadgh O'Shea dismissed favourite Alisar in the first section of the Tote Exacta Maiden. Owned by Cathal Ryan and his daugthter Danielle, the French-bred Tipperary All Star triumphed by one and a half lengths.
Crimson Flower, trained under permit by John Morrison, annihilated the opposition in the closing Gowran Park Ladies Handicap triumphing by a smooth six lengths with Susan Leahy from Dash Of Grey.
Mick Kinane teamed-up with David Wachman to collect the Rover Kilkenny Handicap with Pantarez, a close relation to leading North American racemare Golden Apples, whilst Tom Hogan's Wensum Dancer supplemented her Killarney success of three days earlier by landing the Derrrinstown Stud Apprentice Handicap with Sean Cleary.
