Sonnyboyliston tops off memorable weekend for Murtagh camp

After Group One success with Champers Elysees at Leopardstown yesterday, Johnny Murtagh appears to have another horse that begins at a higher level, after his Sonnyboyliston (4/1 second favourite) took apart the field in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF ‘Northfields’ Premier Handicap at the Curragh.

With cheek-pieces on for the first time the Kildare Racing Club-owned three-year-old was eye-catching, travelling at his ease up the straight under Billy Lee. Finans Bay was the one to give Sonnyboyliston most to do, but it was no contest really and the hugely progressive Power gelding prevailed by four and a quarter lengths.

“That's a great way to end the weekend. Of the whole weekend he was probably the horse I was most excited about, I thought maybe he had the best chance,” said Murtagh.

“When you look at his form, and what Joseph's filly had done (O’Brien’s Thundering Nights , the form was in the book.

“The cheek-pieces were on him just to help him concentrate because the last time Ben (Coen) thought he just ran a little bit green mid-race.

“There was a good pace on today and he settled really well. Billy said he got there well.

“He's a big baby that's learning on the job and he should have no problem stepping up to a mile-and-a-half.

“He's after getting a fair hike (in the handicap) the last few times. He's a horse I think we should have next year. We might give him one more run before the year is out, maybe the Trigo or one of those Listed races just to see where he fits in.

“One more this year and hopefully we'll have him for next year because I'd say he's above average.”

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Kipling trained by A.P.O'Brien, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

G.M. Ryan, rider of Numerian trained by Joseph Patrick O'Brien, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount clipped heels in the final furlong.

J.A. Heffernan, rider of Keats trained by A.P.O'Brien, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount got no run in the straight.

C.D. Hayes, rider of Taramansour trained by D. K. Weld, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount got tight for room about two furlongs from the finish.

(GC & EM)