Simurgh strikes for Hartys Simurgh opened his account in good style in the first division of the Fitzpatrick’s Mercedes-Benz Maiden at the Curragh. The Phoenix Of Spain gelding had been second on his return at Roscommon at the start of the month and went to post a 5/2 shot in today’s ten furlong contest. Jamie Powell, who was riding out his 3lb claim on the winner, produced his mount to lead inside the final furlong and he stayed on strongly in the closing stages to post a three length victory over Portnahapple. Eddie Harty, who trains the winner in partnership with his son Patrick, said:- “He’s always been a lovely horse. He’s still only coming to himself. “I talked to Patrick this time last year and insisted that he ran to make the year mean something. “He’s still only a frame and that’s the reason he didn’t run until he did. The ground got very quick in the summer and I didn’t want to be chancing him on it. “He ran a lovely race in Roscommon. He came and won his race but then got mugged and he’s improved. “He’ll stay further and I think he’ll improve a lot from now till the spring of next year. He’s a nice horse to look forward to. “I’m very fond of him, I think he’s a decent horse. “You’d be thinking this time next year you might be running tomorrow for the Cesarewitch, that type of thing. “That’s his minimum trip but he’s got class enough to win over it. Further will suit him in time.”
