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Donal Murphy

Donal Murphy

Soul gets up on the line under O'Sullivan

Sat 6th May 2017, 17:31

Soul Season (blue) is coming with his challenge under James O'SullivanSoul Season (blue) is coming with his challenge under James O'Sullivan
© Photo Healy Racing

Soul Season got up on the line to take division two of the two mile handicap hurdle, the Treacys Hotel Enniscorthy Supporting Wexford Camogie Handicap Hurdle.

Trained in Camolin by Thomas James, the now eleven-year-old won a point-to-point on his second start way back in February 2012.

He was off the track from April 2013 to March 2016, and was last seen finishing down the field at Limerick over Christmas.

Back on good ground today he was sent off at 14/1 under James O’Sullivan, who was recording his first success since turning professional.

Settled towards rear, he took closer order from three out. He was ridden in fourth after the next, and stayed on best from the last, getting up on the inside to score by a neck. The Irritator was the one just denied, and he had to settle for second under Ger Fox for Pat Collins at 4/1. Bullowney (25/1) was another three parts of a length back in third under Mark Enright for Garrett Power, while the 5/2 favourite Ted Bach was a disappointing eight, with Paul Townend in the saddle for Ken Budds.

Thomas James said afterwards: "I was expecting him to win. It was his minimum trip of two miles. He is eleven years old but he has had legs of ice, I couldn’t keep him right.

"He is very well bred and is half-brother to Monkerhostin and Eric’s Charm. He won a point-to-point and he broke down shortly after it. He is a very good horse if you could just keep him right, and hopefully he comes out of today alright.

"It wouldn’t want to be any quicker. He is a stayer and two miles would be his minimum, he was flat out all the way. I’ll keep him on the go 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.