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Donal Murphy

Donal Murphy

Far from Tough for Talk in Laytown finale

Mon 16th Sep 2024, 19:28

Tough Talk is a clearcut winner under Derek O'ConnorTough Talk is a clearcut winner under Derek O'Connor
© Photo Healy Racing

Registering his first win since his debut success nearly two and a half years ago, Tough Talk trounced his five rivals in the concluding Tote Never Beaten By SP Qualified Riders Race.

Second in the Group 3 Marble Hill Stakes of 2022, the Ger Lyons-trained bay had been ultimately disappointing since, dropping from his initial mark of 96 to his current rating of 83.

Available at 11/4 in early shows for this seven-furlong heat, the Kingman four-year-old came in for good market support, eventually going off a 15/8 joint-favourite with Quar Shamar

In a share of the lead early on under Derek O'Connor, the Moyglare Stud Farm-owned victor gained an outright advantage after two furlongs.

Pushed along, he readily stretched clear with over a furlong to go and eventually came home 10-lengths in front of his market rival, with that Emmet Mullins-trained chestnut losing momentum when jumping puddles early on.

"I think the whole atmosphere and the beach, the surface and the crowd just lit him up. He really enjoyed it," O'Connor reflected.

"Andrew Duff (assistant trainer) told me that he works on it (beach) to a very high standard. I really appreciate Andrew's and Colin Keane's feedback on the horse as they are two very professional men. When they are behind you, you've got a chance."

STEWARDS REPORT

The Raceday Stewards granted a request from Gerard O'Leary, trainer of Acotango for an additional ten minutes to present his charge for identification to an Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Official in accordance with the provisions of Rule 90 (i).

Additional reporting by Michael Graham

1st
13/8JFav
Tote €2.63 €1.30
2nd
10L
13/8JFav
€1.50
3rd
shd
7/2
4th
4.75L
22/1
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.