Carraigin Aonair and Niall McCullagh (near-side) short-headed Bomber Jackson and Declan McDonogh© Photo Healy Racing
To the surprise of many observers the photo finish to the Crowne Plaza Leading Jockey & Trainer Championship Handicap (division one) went the way of the John Murphy-trained and Niall McCullagh-ridden Carraigin Aonair Bomber Jackson finished behind Carraigin Aonair when the latter scored at Leopardstown twenty six days back. The Donal Mac A'Bhaird owned and bred Carraigin Aonair confirmed superiority over that rival on this occasion, but only just, by a short head.
"I honestly thought I was beaten. I thought I got there to beat Declan (McDonogh on Bomber Jackson) and his rallied at the line. I said 'ah no I've just got done'," admitted McCullagh.
"It's great to get the verdict and it was a great surprise win when it was called the right way.
"It's nice to get another one for John. She won well on the last day of the season at Leopardstown and it's nice to follow on. She might be one to follow for the winter."
(GC & EM)
