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Donal Murphy

Donal Murphy

Hairy takes the last for the Roches

Sun 2nd Feb 2014, 17:22

Hairy O'Malley is driven out by Padraig Roche to see off Bosman Rule and Patrick MullinsHairy O'Malley is driven out by Padraig Roche to see off Bosman Rule and Patrick Mullins
© Photo Healy Racing

Hairy O'Malley got off the mark on his fourth attempt as he took the bumper at Punchestown this afternoon, the Goffs Invitational Sale (Pro-Am) Flat Race.

Trained by Christy Roche, and ridden by his son Padraig (first winner since March 11th 2012), the five-year-old son of Oscar (second winner of the day after Jetson was sent off a 9/4 chance, having opened at 3/1 with Paddy Power this morning.

Not beaten far on his first three efforts, the successful bay hit the front shortly before the straight, and he was driven out from over a furlong from home, keeping on well to score by two and a half lengths. Bosman Rule who opened at 10/11 with Powers this morning, went off the 11/8 favourite for Willie and Patrick Mullins, but he couldn’t peg back the winner in the closing stages, and he had to settle for second, while Boulevard King was a further three lengths back in third under Adam O’Neill for John Berry.

Christy Roche said afterwards: “His run at Naas was probably good enough. He jumps well and he will go for a maiden hurdle now.”

Additional reporting by Alan Magee

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.