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Donal Murphy

Donal Murphy

Nights justifies favouritism under Crosse

Thu 6th Aug 2020, 15:05

Thundering Nights and Shane Crosse in full flowThundering Nights and Shane Crosse in full flow
© Photo Healy Racing

After earlier wins for his brother Donnacha and father Aidan, Joseph O'Brien got in on the act, as his Thundering Nights claimed the Leopardstown Fillies Race.

Successful in a maiden at Galway last October, the Night Of Thunder bay since filled the runner-up spot on her return to action at the Curragh, going down by just a short head to Sonnyboyliston.

Sent off the 11/8 favourite under Shane Crosse, the Shapoor Mistry owned victor raced in second.

She was pushed along to challenge from early in the straight and hit the front with over a furlong left to race, keeping on well from there to register a comfortable length and a half success. Amma Grace (11/4 to 9/4) finished second under Oisin Orr for Dermot Weld, while Sh Boom was a short head back in third.

O'Brien said afterwards: "She had a good run the last day. She's straight forward and quickened up well. She seemed to be in control most of the way and is progressive.

"We'll try to get some black type with her and she will stay further.

"She won with an ease in Galway so she is versatile in terms of ground."

Additional reporting by Alan Magee

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.