MURTAGH NEW LEADER IN TITLE RACE John Oxx introduced a winning newcomer in the shape of New South Wales in the one mile maiden at the Curragh on Saturday which helped John Murtagh to the head of affairs for the first time this season in the Jockeys Championship.One hour later the Meathman extended his advantage over Mick Kinane when recent course winner Glocca Morra landed a tidy gamble in the 29-runner 7f handicap.Trained on the Curragh by Bill Farrell, son-in-law of author and former trainer Guy Williams, the 5/1 favourite (from 10's) drew steadily clear from the furlong marker to simply annihilate the opposition. Murtagh completed a 119/1 treble in the Listed Diamond Stakes when Miss Honorine recorded her second listed success for the current campaign when collaring odds-on Sights On Gold, who looked the likely winner until tackled inside the final furlong by the game John Oxx-trained filly.'She's a very genuine filly and goes on all grounds. She stays that trip well and she may run in a Listed Race at Gowran next Saturday,' said the Currabeg handler of the 4/1 chance which contained no Jackpot units resulting in a ?53,782 rollover to the Curragh next Sunday.Murtagh is now on the 64 winner mark for the current campaign with Mick Kinane, who won the finale on Saturday, two behind on 62 with current champion Pat Smullen at 59.
