Backers of John Murphy's Flat horses are in clover over the past three weeks as the County Cork handler has had five winners with a level stakes Euro investment on all his runners yielding a profit of 87.50. Turning out quickly after running at Leopardstown on Sunday, Murphy's Burning Brightly struck at odds of 25/1 under Colin Keane in the Christmas Party Nights At Dundalk Stadium Nursery Handicap (Plus 10 Race).

Burning Brightly, a son of Sir Prancealot, raced towards the rear early on.

Sixth on his previous visit to Dundalk, the winner took closer order from before the straight and he was asked for more at the two pole.

Murphy's charged then finished off well to get there close home for a half length and a neck success over Norman Wells and Thomas O'Malley

"I rode him here before over a shorter trip. The step up in trip suited and he handles that surface well. He travelled well and picked up nicely when I asked him," reported Keane.

The Stewards enquired into an incident involving Sayde ridden by D.E. Sheehy, John Honeyman ridden by C. O'Donoghue, Lady Ravenna ridden by G.F. Carroll, Norman Wells (GB), ridden by G.P. Halpin, and Milo's Lass ridden by R.P. Downey.

Evidence was heard from the riders concerned, in the presence of Eamon Sheehy, trainer, who accompanied D.E.Sheehy in the Stewards room. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that G.P.Halpin was in breach of Rule 214, in that he rode carelessly and having considered his record, suspended him for two race days. Furthermore the rider was reminded of his future responsibilities to report anything which may have affected performance, in accordance with Rule 213.

The Stewards requested a report from John Joseph Murphy, trainer as to the apparent improvement in form of Burning Brightly, placed first, as compared with its recent form.

The trainer's representative, Sinead O'Sullivan, reported that the horse ran freely on his last start on ground softer than ideal. She added that the horse settled better over today's shorter trip and seemed to appreciate the surface. Having considered the evidence the Stewards noted the explanation offered.

C. O'Donoghue, rider of John Honeyman trained by Mrs John Harrington, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount was badly hampered in running.

(AM & EM)