Mint the Man under Roche for Murphy Mint Man (8/1) made all under Leigh Roche and came home a length-and-a-half to the good in the Taste Of Kildare At Naas Racecourse 16th - 17th August Handicap. Racing in the centre of the track, the Pat Murphy-trained four-year-old was ridden with over a furlong to go and while soon edging towards the nearside rail, he kept up the gallop all the way to the line. Returned at 20/1, Betsen ran on well to take second under James Ryan for Jack Davison, while Gensis (9/1) was another half-a-length away in third. Racing towards the far side rail, Sparkling Sea (7/2f) faded from the furlong pole and eventually finished a disappointing eleventh. "He was in good form and is not a massive horse so carrying less weight today helped him," Murphy reflected. "Leigh said he winged the gates and travelled away nicely for him. He hung a bit to the near side but has done it nicely. "I thought he would have won more by now. "We'll see what comes up for him and he could run in the Curragh on Saturday." STEWARDS REPORT * The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Sparkling Sea, trained by G.M.Lyons, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal. Additional reporting by Alan Magee
