Murat takes full advantage to open account over hurdles The Peter Lawlor-trained Murat registered a first win over flights when showing a determined attitude to land the Thorntons Recycling Maiden Hurdle at Leopardstown. Leading after jumping the first flight, the 11/2 chance made most but was passed by the strong-travelling El Cairos early in the straight. Looking booked for second place at best at that stage, Murat was left back in front after the Gordon Elliott trained El Cairos stumbled and fell after the last when looking all over a winner. Doctor Du Mesnil threw down a strong challenge on the run-in but just couldn't get to Murat who prevailed by a nose for owner/trainer Lawlor. “I was up against two Grade 1 horses there, and the winner probably fell. It’s a learning curve for my lad and he’ll come on again for that,” said Lawlor. “He jumped a lot better today and I think I might step him up in distance after that, and let him cruise a bit further. “We might go to Cheltenham and have a day out there with him. We’re close enough to the horses that are in the betting for the Supreme so why not roll the dice with him now, that’s if I still have him. “I told Cian to try and get a fill into him, possibly two, and he gave him a fabulous ride. He got two fills into him. “I said to try and get a fill into him before the turn in and then come up the straight with him and that’s what he did. “Sean (O’Keeffe) usually rides him but he’s down in Limerick. We’ll see what happens the next day with that. “I like taking on this opposition, all the big stables. Once you are competing and running well against them I look forward to it. It’s a bit nerve-wracking though. “He’s nearly 18 hands high, if he’s sound in the morning we’ll dream of bigger days again. “I might turn up here for the DRF. There are no real plans. Today was about seeing where we stood.” Additional reporting by Gary Carson.
