Mashhoor and Shane Kelly© Photo Healy Racing
Johnny Murtagh has Royal Ascot handicap plans for Mashhoor which gave the trainer a second winner in as many days at the Curragh, in today's William Hill Handicap.
Formerly trained by Michael Stoute, the son of Kingman was having his second start for Murtagh and was produced along the inside rail by jockey Shane Kelly to lead a furlong and a half out, and beat stablemate Safecracker by four lengths.
Murtagh, successful with yesterday's maiden winner Navagio, said “he ran very well in Cork on his first run and he had a very good draw today, and was given a very good ride by Shane. There wasn't much between our two at home but this lad probably had a better preparation.
“He's mentally immature but is toughening up now and being by Kingman I'd say he has loads of class.”
Mashhoor carries the colours of the Brunabonne Syndicate and the trainer added “there is fierce excitement among the owners and there are handicaps in Ascot and that's what we are in it for.
“The owners have had a great day at the Curragh and we'll roll on to Ascot if everything is okay and have a shot there. He's a classy horse and hopefully he can give us another big day out.”
Quotes from Gary Carson
