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Donal Murphy

Donal Murphy

El Greco takes the opener at Killarney

Mon 16th Jul 2018, 18:26

El Greco leads home Mattymolls Gaga (black and orange) and Scriobh NuaEl Greco leads home Mattymolls Gaga (black and orange) and Scriobh Nua
© Photo Healy Racing

El Greco followed-up on his maiden win at Cork in May, as he made virtually all in the opener at Killarney this evening, the Ladbrokes Irish EBF Race.

Sent off an 11/4 chance, the Aidan O'Brien trained son of Galileo was soon in front.

He was ridden and pressed by the even money favourite Scriobh Rua from two furlongs out, however the bay victor pulled out more inside the final furlong, seeing off the late surge of Mattymolls Gaga by a head.

The runner-up was returned at 9/1 under Declan McDonogh for Gordon Elliott, while the aforementioned market leader was another half a length back in third.

Donnacha O'Brien was aboard El Greco, and he later stated: "He is uncomplicated and he jumps and he travels and when you can do that around here it's a big advantage, you can nick a few lengths. He is genuine and tries.

"He is no Group 1 horse but he jumps and he travels and is uncomplicated and tries hard."

Aidan and Donnacha O'Brien also took the opener at Killarney on Sunday with Anthony Van Dyck.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes

1st
11/4
Tote €3.30 €1.40
2nd
hd
9/1
€2.10
3rd
0.5L
1/1Fav
4th
2.5L
33/1
About Donal Murphy
Donal graduated from Maynooth University in 2010 with a BBS in Equine Business and since attained a diploma in Sports Journalism from Dublin Business School. He holds a variety of roles in the horse racing industry, reporting for the Press Association and p2p.ie, while also working for SIS and the Tote. From Wexford, he is a keen runner and has completed over 100 parkruns at various locations around the country.