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Sister Blandina wins again for Murtagh

Sister Blandina (far side) and Seamie Heffernan beating Green Or Black by a noseSister Blandina (far side) and Seamie Heffernan beating Green Or Black by a nose
© Photo Healy Racing

Sister Blandina has proved a great servant to connections this term, and recorded her fourth victory of the campaign by getting up virtually on the line in the Meath Handicap at Navan.

The Johnny Murtagh-trained filly won off a rating of 52 at Bath back in May but, such has been her progress since, the daughter of Mastercraftsman defied a new high mark of 81 in this ten-furlong race.

The lead changed hands a number of times in the straight with Green Or Black taking it up over a furlong out.

Seamie Heffernan mounted his challenge on Sister Blandina inside the final furlong, and the 7/1 chance (11/1 this morning) just prevailed by a nose. Fire And Passion and The Nutcracker both came home well to claim the minor honours in this 19-runner event.

Murtagh said, “She's a fantastic filly and is improving all the time.

“I'd say that might be it for the year but the owners are keen to go next year. I said to them she might improve into a premier handicap filly. She's only growing into herself now.

“It was a great ride. He was confident he had won but I wasn't so confident.”

(GC & AM)

1st
7/1
Tote €8.80 €1.80
2nd
nose
16/1
€4.70
3rd
1L
14/1
€5.10
4th
0.5L
8/1
€2.50
bf
shd
5/1Fav
About Alan Magee
Alan has worked in the racing industry for well over 30 years including with the Sporting Life, Turform and Irish Racing Services. He took up his current role as Irish Racing Team Leader with the Press Association in 2013. He has a keen interest in most sports and plays golf.