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Donal Murphy

Donal Murphy

Love conquers all under Cleary Farrell

Sun 9th Jun 2024, 16:20

Just For Love clears the last under Sean Cleary FarrellJust For Love clears the last under Sean Cleary Farrell
© Photo Healy Racing

Just For Love made it two from two in the Lily & Wild Maiden Hurdle, justifying favouritism under Sean Cleary Farrell.

A winner on debut at Galway in September, the Willie Mullins-trained five-year-old touched odds-on early in the day, drifting before the off to a starting price of 13/8.

Settled behind the leaders, the Niall Glynn-owned Affinsea bay was a definite second after three out and was far from fluent at the next.

Ridden approaching the straight, the market leader was soon engaged in a three way tussle for the lead, edging to the front before the last and stretching clear on the run-in to score by three-and-a-quarter lengths.

The Henry de Bromhead-trained Rosalys (11/4) filled the runner-up spot under Mike O'Connor, while Cottesloe Sunshine (6/1) was another length-and-a-half back in third.

The well-backed Ashdale Flyer (16/5 from 16s early) blundered badly two out and never recovered, eventually finishing seventh.

"She was very strong when I needed her," the winning rider revealed.

"I was a bit surprised that she started at 2m5f over hurdles, but Willie Mullins doesn't do too much wrong.

"I was expecting her to have a look at the hurdles and that run will surely bring her on a lot.

"That's my sixth winner and I'm based with Willie full time."

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.