John Murtagh drew level with Michael Kinane in the Flat jockeys title race on the 61 winner mark when completing a 100/1 plus treble at a sparsely attended Fairyhouse on Saturday.
Highlight of the afternoon was the performance of newcomer Juliette in the seven furlongs EBF Fillies Maiden. The daughter of Sadler's Wells appeared to have plenty to do when four lengths adrift at the furlong pole, but quickened up nicely in a matter of strides to eventually beat Biddy Battersby by a comfortable length.
'She was slowly away from the stalls and ran green, but I'm delighted with her turn of foot,' said trainer John Oxx before adding, 'If she comes out of this race alright, then the Listed Silken Glider Stakes at Leopardstown (October 26) is a possibility.' Ladbrokes quote her at 25/1 for both the 1,000 Guineas and the Oaks.
The Oxx/Murtagh team were also on the mark with Fortune in the Ratoath Maiden, where the Night Shift filly challenged between horses to touch off Nathan Jones in the final strides. 'Johnny said she was brave as there was not alot of room. She is a half-sister to a number of Group winners, and will go to the December Sales,' said Oxx.
Peru Genie initiated the Murtagh treble when making all in the six furlongs Clonee Handicap, keeping on well to beat Alexander Ballet by three quarters of a length. 'He's been knocking on the door this year, and has won on both soft and fast ground,' said delighted winning trainer Michael McElhone.
Murtagh was also fancied to land the EBF (C&G) Maiden aboard Arawan but the 4/7 favourite could never get on terms with Kimberley Mine, who held off stable-companion Some Kind Of Tiger by a neck. However there was a sting in the tail for successful trainer Aidan O'Brien who was fined 500 euro in his absence as both his charges were late into the parade ring.
Alan Magee
