Iceford opens account for Murtagh and Coen Having finished runner-up on his two most recent starts, the Johnny Murtagh trained Iceford registered a first career win when staying on strongly to take the Revamp Restoration And Conservation Handicap at the Curragh. Ben Coen held the 5/1 chance up off the strong pace, as Gangsta Man and British raider Shameful went head to head up front. The latter looked to have put the race to bed under Colin Keane when kicking on over a furlong out, with his nearest pursuers hard at work in behind. However, Iceford produced a strong late run, going second over 150 yards out, before leading close home for a three-quarter-length win. “He’s a very solid little horse, he’s been knocking on the door all season,” said Murtagh. “I thought maybe after getting hiked in the handicap for finishing second in a maiden he might struggle but he’s very tough and genuine and Ben said he surprises him every time he rides him. “He said he answered every call there, he was in the middle and both horses were far away from him but he said he was straight and true right to the line. “We’ll look at the Britannia maybe because he should be in that bracket now.” Additional reporting by Gary Carson.
