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Elle Perfecta makes it third time lucky for Murphy

Ella Perfecta easily landed mares maiden hurdle Ella Perfecta easily landed mares maiden hurdle
© Photo Healy Racing

Elle Perfecta made a winning seasonal debut when easily landing the Bar One Racing 50 Euro Free Bet Mares Maiden Hurdle at Bellewstown.

The Colm Murphy trained six-year-old had been well beaten on her racecourse debut in Wexford last March but belied her 100/1 starting price when second over hurdles at Cork subsequently.

Off the track since August, the daughter of Shirocco looked a different proposition here, travelling all over her rivals before being sent on my Shane Fitzgerald after three out.

From there, she was never in any danger, as she was merely kept up to her work to win with plenty in hand.

Shane Fitzgerald, who was recording a double said: "It's nice to be getting the opportunities. Big thanks to John (McConnell) and the owners for the first winner Anna Bunina

"This one did it very well. She ran a cracker in second in Cork and she is still very green there. I nearly wanted something to come with me after the last but she was very good.

"I'm sure Colm will have a plan with her."

Additional reporting by Michael Graham

About John O'Riordan
John has worked for the Press Association since 2022. He also writes a weekly column for The Irish Field and is a regular contributor to the Irish Racing Yearbook. He has previously written for the Racing Post, Irish Examiner and Irish Daily Mirror. He has been involved in racing for over three decades; having experience as a syndicate member, sole owner and breeder.