Shepherd’s Purse showed a fine turn of foot when winning the six furlong juvenile maiden at the Curragh.

Joseph Murphy’s colt was brought into the race on the outside by Gary Carroll over a furlong from home. At the one pole he unleashed his finishing kick to quickly put the race to bed. He was returned at 20/1 on this his racecourse debut. The winning margin was clocked at two and a half lengths.

Michael O’Callaghan’s Clutchingatstraws showed plenty of promise when staying on nicely to take second at 33/1. This was also her first sighting of a racecourse. The 8/11 favourite, General Marshall couldn’t match the front two and had to settle for third. He was well punted from 9/4 this morning. Captain My Captain was the one for money at the track dipping to 10/3 from 9/2. He was fourth again having filled the same spot in Naas.

Joseph Murphy said: "We always liked the horse but we just thought he might need the run. He does everything well at home and I just love the horse. I think a mile is no problem and fortunately enough he is in the Racing Post Trophy. He did a beautiful piece of work during the week. I think he will be a horse with a future. We might supplement him for the National Stakes.

“He might go again before that (Racing Post Trophy) as he just lacks a bit of experience. Gary said he was always going to win and when he pulled up he just drifted and was a bit idle in front. He will step up in trip and he will love it. It's a good day and my first grandson was born last night."

The Racing Post Trophy is a Group One race.

Additional reporting by Donal Murphy