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Donal Murphy

Donal Murphy

That's About Right follows up despite market drift

Fri 9th Aug 2024, 21:06

That's About Right clears the last under Conor OwensThat's About Right clears the last under Conor Owens
© Photo Healy Racing

Despite proving easy-to-back, That's About Right followed up on his Downpatrick success in the Traynors Of Wexford Handicap Hurdle.

As short as 9/2 in early shows for this extended two-and-a-half mile contest, the Philip Rothwell-trained six-year-old eventually went off a 12/1 chance in the colours of the Namtab Syndicate.

Given a patient ride by Conor Owens, the son of Califet made progress from five out and travelled strongly in third entering the straight.

Forced a bit wide approaching the second last, the 95-rated victor soon got to the front and stretched clear on the run-in, coming home six-and-a-half lengths to the good.

Ridden by Kieran Buckley for his father Edward, Noble Hilltop (7/1) filled the runner-up spot, while the well-backed Burru (returned the 4/1 favourite from 15/2 early) was another four-lengths away in third.

"I'd say it's been the longest span we've gone without a winner in two years. We've had a good few placed horses. We had one finish second earlier (Baltinglass Hill) and another one the other day," Rothwell explained.

"We had a good few average horses earlier in the summer and decided to start clearing out a few. I knew we'd have to freshen it up and get a new bunch.

"I thought Baltinglass Hill had a chance early and he got beaten, so I thought are we ever going to get another winner again!

"I put a tongue-strap on him before and he resented it, so to try and make him travel with it we put cheekpieces on him today.

"Conor was on about riding him mid-division but I said to drop him out because there was loads of pace in the race. As it turned out there was loads of pace in it and they went too quick. It was opportunistic to hold on to him. Conor was very cool and he is riding very well.

"I have Conor and Tiernan (Power Roche) in the yard and they are two really good 7lb claimers. They are extremely valuable to have.

"It gives me a chance to do something with the handicappers I won with last year, as they are two very accomplished claimers.

"We'll try and win another race with him now. He is owned by Richard Walsh and Eamonn Fitzgerald and they are local owners to me at home. It's lovely to have a winner for a local syndicate."

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.