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Alan Magee
Murtagh/McCullagh complete 25/1 double
Khudha strides clear for Niall McCullagh
© Photo Healy Racing
Johnny Murtagh and Niall McCullagh teamed up for a double on the afternoon at the Curragh as Khudha annihilated his four rivals in the Jackie Tyrrell Design Supporting Junefest Handicap.
The 6/1 chance was racing from 5lb out of the handicap proper but that proved no barrier as he galloped the opposition into the ground.
McCullagh made all on the Helmet gelding and, after kicking for home entering the straight. was in total command from over a furlong out to score by 12 lengths. Eagle Spirit finished a moderate runner-up, with Modern Approach another length and a quarter away in third.
Murtagh said, “I really fancied him today as he likes cut in the ground, and Niall said with his low weight that he would really stretch them.
“Niall felt that when he got soft ground that he would improve a lot and he was right. I think he’s the type that will make a nice three-year-old hurdler.”
Khudha was well-supported having been available at 14/1 earlier in the day, while the Murtagh/McCullagh were also on the mark at the Curragh with Too Familiar (11/4).