Murphy's Zanoosh opens hurdling account under Hayes Having shaped with a degree of promise when third on her most recent start, the Colm Murphy trained Zanoosh registered her first career success over flights when landing the Matchbook Backs Irish Racing Maiden Hurdle at Punchestown. A former bumper winner, the Winning Ways Reunion Syndicate owned mare was sent off a well backed 2/1 chance to score on her fourth outing over flights. Prominent from the outset under Brian Hayes, the daughter of Harzand moved second in pursuit of leader Fillyoureye after three out. Pushed along to challenge after the penultimate flight, Zanoosh came through to take over approaching the last, before going clear to win by five-and-a-half lengths. “We’re delighted with that, she improved off the last day,” said Murphy. “She had a bit of experience taking them on today. She seems to go on the ground, there was no hiding place there. “We’ll try and find a little handicap for her. We’ll see what he gives her and take baby steps.” Additional reporting by Gary Carson.
