Chicago Fireball too hot to handle as Murtagh doubles up Chicago Fireball, who was the subject of support during the day, led home a one-two for Johnny Murtagh in the Castleacre Insurance Handicap at Gowran Park and gave the trainer a double on the card. Patrick McGettigan exerted his arms leaving the stalls on Chicago Fireball as he was intent in sending him to the front over this seven-furlong trip. The jockey got after his mount a furlong and a-half out and the opposition were soon toiling in their attempts to reel him in. The four-year-old gelding asserted in the final 150 yards and scooted home by a healthy three lengths at 4/1. Stablemate Shakazia (6/5 favourite) came in second in this five-runner heat. McGettigan said: “I jumped good and quick, Johnny said to be good and positive. “We knew coming here he’d have a strong chance even though there were a couple of fancied ones in it. “I think today he really enjoyed bossing it. He’s been running at some of the better tracks, in a straight line, and he doesn’t seem to enjoy it as much as he would around a bend. “With only five runners it meant I could control at whatever speed I wanted to go. When I gave him a kick in the belly, he was very genuine for me and hit the line strong. “When Gowran is riding as quick as that, you can sometimes get a slip on them. Thankfully, it worked out today. “I’d like to say a massive thanks to my boss, Johnny, for putting me on these horses.” Murtagh's Morehampton (3/1f) took the preceding race on this fixture, ridden by Ben Coen. Additional reporting by Gary Carson
