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Donal Murphy

Donal Murphy

Plinth gets up to deny the favourite Grozny

Fri 27th Dec 2013, 12:49

Plinth (outside) comes to beat Ivan GroznyPlinth (outside) comes to beat Ivan Grozny
© Photo Healy Racing

The Aidan O’Brien trained Plinth got up in the dying strides to claim the opener at Leopardstown this afternoon, the Paddy Power iPad App 3yo Maiden Hurdle.

The son of Montjeu, who was one from nine on the level, was making his hurdling debut here, and he was sent off a 3/1 chance under Tony McCoy in the silks of JP McManus.

Despite making a mistake at the last, the bay gelding kept on best on the run-in, getting up close home to deny the even money favourite Ivan Grozny for Ruby Walsh and Willie Mullins, by a head. Moss Street under Bobby McNally for Gordon Elliott finished a further length and a half back in third at 14/1.

Aidan O'Brien said afterwards: "He is a horse that JP always liked and it was a lovely first run (over hurdles).

"He was a little bit green but he quicken up well. He has had a spell up with Con and Robbie Power (to help with his jumping) and it is nice to have a winner here for JP."

Afterwards Boylesports introduced both Plinth and Ivan Gronzy at 25/1 for the Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham in March.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee

1st
3/1
Tote €3.90 €1.70
2nd
hd
1/1Fav
€1.40
3rd
1.25L
14/1
€3.50
4th
0.75L
25/1
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.