Morehampton going the right way for Murtagh Johnny Murtagh's Morehampton (3/1f) made virtually all to get off the mark in the Irish EBF Median Sires Series Maiden over seven furlongs at Gowran Park. Ben Coen soon had him to the fore from gate one and the Sea The Moon colt set the fractions thereafter. He was closely attended to in the straight by Conquering Marin who stayed with him right up to the final furlong. Conquering Marin gave best there as Punica Granatum picked up the chase in second. Morehampton was notably strong at the business end, though, and swept home well by a length and three-quarters. Punica Granatum showed improvement in second at 11/2 and was some seven lengths clear of a weakening Conquering Marin (8/1). This was a lovely step forward from a promise-laden third on debut at Leopardstown last month for Morehampton. Coen said: “He was good, he improved from the first day. “He jumped, travelled, got a position and picked up well. He did it well at the line.” Additional reporting by Gary Carson
