Murray living the dream with Bucanero Fuerte

Adrian Murray has described his incredible journey with Group 1 winner Bucanero Fuerte as "what dreams are made of." In an interview with Dave Keena ahead of Champions Weekend, the County Westmeath based trainer went on to explain that he never thought it would happen to him.

A maiden winner at the Curragh on his racecourse debut, the Wootton Bassett colt went on to finish third in the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot on his second start, before returning home to win both the Railway Stakes and Phoenix Stakes. That latter race, was Murray's first ever Group 1 winner.

"It just keeps getting better and better," he added. "He looks like a horse that should train on as a three-year-old as well. He is a big, long, scopey horse with great conformation and a beautiful mind. He is thriving with racing."

Murray's recent association with leading owners Amo Racing came about via Robson Aguiar, a man he credits with being a huge part of the current success: "Robson has been a very important man in my life there for the last 10 years. When he came to Mullingar first, he was working for Tally-Ho and then he'd come and ride out for me."

"Our association has really flourished over the last decade. I'd never have even dreamed of having a flat licence until I hooked up with them. They convinced me to go flat as well as jumps and it's been a great experience."

Having won the Phoenix Stakes over 6f on his latest start, Murray is excited about the prospect of Bucanero Fuerte tackling an additional furlong in the National Stakes on Champions Weekend. "He has always struck me as a horse that needed a step up in trip. I can't wait to see him over 7f or a mile. He has done so well at 6f you would expect him to keep improving as we step him up."

Murray went on to add: "He worked very well on the Curragh the other day. We couldn't be happier with him now. Physically he is improving all the time. He is just growing into himself. He has huge potential down the road."