18+ | T&Cs apply | Wagering and T&Cs apply | Play Responsibly | Advertising Disclosure

1-3 for Murtagh and Fitzwilliam Racing in Naas opener

Light cap Niall McCullagh wins on Dancing MountainLight cap Niall McCullagh wins on Dancing Mountain
© Healy Racing Photos

Always on the front end Emily Grace made a bold bid in the Welcome To Naas Racecourse Nursery Handicap (Plus 10 Race) but she was denied at the finish by Johnny Murtagh's Dancing Mountain .

Niall McCullagh got the Fitzwilliam Racing 2018-owned daughter of Kodiac there in time to prevail by a head in this five and a half furlong contest.

Fitzwilliam and Murtagh also had the third home, So Familiar .

Murtagh, enjoying this best season numerically since taking out a trainer's licence, said: "It's very hard to find these races. There is not many of those low grade handicaps (for two-year-olds). We have a lot of them that need it.

"She's big and she's weak and I think there is a lot more to come from her. Niall said she's probably strengthened up. She's put on ten kilos so maybe she was a bit weak earlier in the year. She's fast but Niall said she'll get six no problem.

"Shane (B Kelly) said the ground was a little bit quick for the third (So Familiar) but I'm delighted with her as well."

(AM & EM)

1st
8/1
Tote €13.10 €3.10
2nd
hd
14/1
€4.30
3rd
2.5L
9/1
€3.90
4th
nk
4/1Fav