Pink Venom wins to make it three in a row in the Birdcatcher The Johnny Murtagh-trained Pink Venom defied a 19lb rise from her last two victories to secure a third win in a row in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Birdcatcher Premier Nursery Handicap for rider Ben Coen. The daughter of Soldiers Call was restrained in rear throughout as the Joseph Murray-trained Oristown Boy set a strong gallop in front, and under a stron Coen drive in the latter stages, Pink Venom picked up well to win snugly at the line by two and three-quarter lengths. Speaking after the race, winning trainer Murtagh said, "I thought she had a great chance coming here. She's after bouncing out of her last two races really well. She's not over big but she's tough and hardy. "She'd been running in good maidens but she's really found her niche now. Ben said she's very genuine. She wouldn't love that ground but she got through it well. "She's after winning the Birdcatcher now and earning herself an extra bonus (€20k). Noel (Hartley-owner) is a big supporter of mine, so I'm delighted for him. "She's gone up 19lb in the ratings and it's always tough coming here on the back of that rise but it just looked like a good opportunity today. She'll probably have to go into black type races now. " I don't know if there's anything left for her from now until the end of the year but she's one to look forward to next year. She's after having a busy season so she deserves a break. We might start her off in a Guineas trial next year."
