Murtagh secures first juvenile 'Gold' Johnny Murtagh registered his first juvenile winner at Naas today when his Gold Pelegrine (4/7f) made all for an easy five lengths win in the opening Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund Median Auction Maiden. Murtagh, who was crowned Leading Rider at Royal Ascot last week and has now ridden 43 winners at the meeting, watched today's race from terra firma leaving the steering to Niall McCullagh who had little difficulty throughout the race. Afterwards Murtagh stated “I committed to playing in the Pro-Am at the Irish Open last week so that's the reason why Niall rode the horse and not me.” He added “Gold Pelegrine did very well the first day and Fergal (Lynch, jockey then) said if he hadn't met trouble he'd probably have won. That stood to him and he was nice and professionaly today, which was nice to see. “That's my first two year old winner (fourth winner in total); all the horses before were three, four or five so it is a bit more challenging with two year olds but we have a nice bunch. They're all after running well first time and hopefully can improve like this lad! “We'll step him up now; he seems like a Stakes horse and he'll go for a Stakes race next.” Gold Pelegrine's win was the first juvenile winner since 'Team Murtagh', including Tommy Carmody who held a trainers' license before Murtagh secured his, began training in 2012. By Thomas Weekes, quotes from Gary Carson
