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Donal Murphy

Donal Murphy

Second favourite King comes out on top

Sun 15th Jan 2012, 14:57

5/4 shot Knockgraffon King got the better of market rival and Even money favourite Are Ya Right Chief in the Navan Golf Course Maiden Hurdle for his trainer Noel Meade with Paul Carberry aboard.

The winning son of Beneficial finished second on his hurdling debut over the course last month and before that had won his bumper at Naas in January of last year.

From the same family as the mighty Denman, Knockgraffon King made all and shrugged off the challenge of the favourite when joined by him entering the straight.

He kept on well from two out to score by three lengths from Are Ya Right Chief back in second while Dead End at 25/1 was a further twelve lengths back in third under Tommy Treacy.

Winning trainer Noel Meade said afterwards of his Hollyville Syndicate owned gelding: "I was very disappointed with him the last day but he probably needed the run a bit. He worked really well the other day.

"He is a three mile chaser in the making but it's so late in the season now we will wait until next year to go chasing with him.

"We will find a three mile winners hurdle for him now."

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.