Killarney treble and Sligo winner for Upton trainer Murphy
TRAINER John Joe Murphy, from Upton Bandon, took last week's Killarney August racing Festival by storm, where he saddled no less than three winners, over the four day meeting, which included the valuable Kingdom Gold Cup of € 38,000.
The trainer's memorable week began on Wednesday where he sent out 12/1 chance Praise Be to cause a major shock in the opening 1ml fillies maiden, defeating the Aiden O'Brien hot pot Luxurious 4/7f by a comfortable two lengths, having been given a terrific drive, by apprentice Lee Roche, despite having dropped his whip 100 yards from the finish.
This was a real family success, as the winner is owned by the trainers wife Catherine.
Later in the evening he produced the greatest shock win of the meeting in the featured Kingdom Gold Cup, where his charge Top Spin led them home.
A 25/1 chance, and out of the handicap, and the only three-year old in the race, Top Spin was given a peach of a drive by Stan James, outstayed the favourite Alpine Eagle and Fran Berry by half a length in a thrilling finish, to complete a superb family double, as this winner is also owned by Catherine Murphy.
On Friday evening, Murphy completed a splendid treble for the week, with Cul A Don, well supported from 8/1 to 11/2, in the 1ml handicap, again under a outstanding drive by Stan James, defeating Pat Smullen and Northern Rocked by 11/2 lengths.
Meanwhile, the John Joe Murphy success story continued unabated when the in form trainer landed a substantial touch at Sligo races on Tuesday evening where his three old, Walter De La Mare, landed substantial wagers from 10/1 morning prices to 4/1, and from 5/1 to 4/1 on track, to easily win the 1ml2f apprentice handicap under Garry Carroll.
Taken to the front from flagfall the leader never saw another rival, sprinting clear in the straight to win with the minimum of effort and can be placed to win again.
- Pat Griffin
