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Donal Murphy
Charterhouse proves too good for Ruby rivals
Charterhouse (noseband) leads home Panama Red
© Photo Healy Racing
Giving weight to all his rivals as the only gelding in the field, Charterhouse landed the Listed GMIB Vincent O'Brien Ruby Stakes.
Trained by John Murphy, the four-year-old was a fast-finishing third in this very race twelve months ago, winning on his return to the Co Kerry venue last month.
He since finished third to Boundless Ocean in the Desmond Stakes at the Curragh and was sent off a 13/2 chance this evening with Scott McCullagh aboard.
Drawn on the wide outside in stall 12, the son of Charming Thought was soon settled in mid-division, coming with his challenge with two furlongs left to race.
Ridden to the front from the furlong pole, he kept up the gallop all the way to the line and came home a length-and-a-quarter to the good in the colours of Chantal Regalado-Gonzalez. Panama Red (7/2f) took second under Mark Enright for Ger Lyons, while Haziya (8/1 from bigger earlier) was a head away in third.
George Murphy, son of the winning trainer, said: "It was brilliant, he got a great ride from Scott who filled him with confidence all the way and didn't go for him too early - I think he likes to be codded along through his races.
"He has been busy enough the last few weeks and deserves a little break now. I think a mile is spot on for him."
STEWARDS REPORT
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer reported to the Stewards that Benitoite trained by Mrs John Harrington was found to have blood at both nostrils post race.
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes