Fresh out of maiden company and Murkala comes good in style Joint favourite Murkala seemed to enjoy the fast pace of the Keadeen Hotel Irish EBF Fillies Handicap at the Curragh, to take the spoils for Johnny Murtagh and Rory Mulligan. Aboard the 7/2 shot (from 7s), Mulligan sent the Aga Khan three-year-old to the front under a furlong out and she was then always looking likely to contain the 'finisher,' Sweet Chariot, which she did by a length. Mveve and Ronan Whelan went their separate ways at the start, and all observers will be hoping that the local pilot emerges ok after that nasty spill. “I didn’t think it would take as long for her to win,” said Murtagh. “She’s a very nice filly. She travelled well today and Rory had her in a nice position. There was plenty of pace on and she relaxed. “The last day Ben (Coen) rode her and we put cheekpieces on around Gowran and she was way too keen. “I’d say fast ground, seven furlongs, is ideal. It was nice and smooth today for her. “There is a fillies handicap here on Guineas weekend. It’s a mile though but I think she should have no problem getting a mile. “I thought she wasn’t a bad filly at the start of the year. You could put a line through the last run, the way she behaved, she just didn’t settle at all. She settled well today and Rory gave her a great ride.” The Raceday Stewards reviewed where R.P. Whelan , rider of Mveve, was unseated leaving the stalls. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the matter, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that Mveve stumbled independently of any other runner and that no further action was warranted. The Raceday Stewards enquired into an incident inside the final two furlongs involving Orchidaceae, ridden by W.J. Lee, Dancing Teapot, ridden by D. McMonagle, and Pickersgill, ridden by R.C. Colgan where it appeared an incident occurred. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. R.C. Colgan stated that he had to slightly check as Dancing Teapot drifted left. W.J. Lee stated that he had to briefly sit when there was movement from the horses inside him. D. McMonagle stated that as he made his challenge the horse in front of him carried him slightly left. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards did not apportion blame to any rider and took no further action. M.W Hassett, rider of Fortuna Vera, trained by Joseph Patrick O'Brien, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount got upset in the stalls and missed the break. J.A. Powell, rider of Hugo's Girl, trained by Thomas Dowling, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount hung left throughout. (GC & EM)
