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Donal Murphy

Donal Murphy

Djakadam makes all to take Gowran opener

Sat 16th Feb 2013, 14:56

Djakadam & Paul Townend clear the last on their way to victoryDjakadam & Paul Townend clear the last on their way to victory
© Photo Healy Racing

Djakadam got Red Mills Day at Gowran off to the perfect start for punters as he took the opening contest, the Shantou at Burgage Stud 4yo Maiden Hurdle.

Trained by Willie Mullins, the French import unseated after the last when leading on his Irish debut at Thurles last month.

Sent off the 4/7 favourite (opened at 10/11 with Paddy Powers this morning) to make amends today, he made all under Paul Townend and went clear before the last to record a comfortable fourteen length victory. Ibsen finished second yet again at 4/1 under David Splaine for John Murphy while Welsh Nayber was a further six lengths back in third at 5/1 under David Crosse for Brendan Duke.

Willie Mullins said afterwards: "He did everything well and he is a nice chaser in the making.

"He won’t be going to Cheltenham, he will be kept at home and we will concentrate on chasing with him.”

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.