Job done - Murillo and Seamie Heffernan beat Wolfofbaggotstreet and Pat Smullen© Photo Healy Racing
You had to feel for connections and backers of odds on favourite Wolfofbaggotstreet in the opening Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden (Plus 10 Race) at Tipperary. In the end he was trying to bite off a fair bit more than he could chew against the winner, Murillo
Through the five furlongs Wolfofbaggotstreet did everything very professionally and looked like he could be heading for success when going for home over a furlong out under Pat Smullen.
As it turned out though Johnny Murtagh's Equiano gelding appears to be have been attempting to beat a horse from a different level.
Ballydoyle's Murillo, a half million dollar foal, changed gear in impressive style inside the last under Seamie Heffernan to slam Wolfofbaggotstreet and the rest by three lengths and more.
"I thought he was a danger to my horse (U S Navy Flag, finished third) going to the Curragh the last day but they ran green and Ana (O'Brien) said he ran better than where he finished," reported Heffernan.
"I didn't have to give him a belt - he was another one I didn't have to give a belt to.
"He is a big scopey lad and I'd say he'll be heading to Ascot. He showed us a little bit at home and to be honest he ran so bad at the Curragh, it just wasn't his run but he did it well today."
W.J. Lee, rider of Gallant Girl trained by K.J. Condon, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount ran short of room inside the final furlong.
The Stewards enquired into an incident about 150 yards from the finish involving Early Call ridden by G.F. Carroll, placed fifth, Tintoretto ridden by S. Foley, placed third and Gallant Girl, ridden by W.J. Lee, placed sixth, where it appeared that Gallant Girl ran short of room and checked. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards took no action other than to advise G.F. Carroll to ride with more care.
(TW & EM)
