Shore Step (Shane Foley, on the rails) just got the better of Flawlessly and Gary Carroll© Photo Healy Racing
Given the huge 27-horse line-up it was hardly surprising that we might get an exciting conclusion in the Treacy Group Supporting Newbridge Parish Handicap at the Curragh, and race two certainly served up just that with Shore Step (9/1) short-heading Flawlessly (14/1).
Buoyed up by the run of her Lady Kaya (3rd) in the first, Sheila Lavery was hopeful of a big performance from Flawlessly, and she did so much right, but Shore Step (Shane Foley up) just 'did' her on the line.
They drew on by three and a quarter lengths from the third home, Baby Power
"I was reading the card beforehand and it said 'was a solid handicapper at one stage' so I didn't know what I was doing with him," said Murtagh.
"It just hadn't fallen right for him all year, and the last couple of years, but we've always thought he was capable of much better than he was showing.
"He works well at home but he just hasn't got it together on the track but he did today.
"His good runs in England were on good tracks so maybe he likes good tracks but it's just hard to get races for him on these better tracks.
"He's won now and hopefully can move up the ranks because at one stage he was rated a lot better than he is today.
"He's a good horse to have at home. He works with the two-year-olds and gives you a good guide on how you are getting on. Hopefully he pays his way now between now and the end of the year.
"I think that's a good trip for him and it looks like he gets seven. Valerie Keatley, the head girl, rides him the whole time and says he'll have no problem getting seven.
"He breaks quick, had got good early speed, and he toughs it out on the front rank so six is ideal."
S. Foley, rider of Shore Step trained by J.P. Murtagh, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount hung right last 50 yards.
R.P. Cleary, rider of Handsome Maverick trained by Donal Kinsella, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount lost its action.
N.M. Crosse, rider of Nightflight trained by Joseph Anthony Murray, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount hung left.
Joseph G. Murphy, trainer of Bay Of Skaill (GB), reported to the Clerk of Scales that his charge became uneasy in the stalls.
(GC & EM)
