Murtagh registers third winner of Champions Weekend Trainer Johnny Murtagh capped a fine two days with a third Champions Weekend winner today, as Shaool (11/2) landed the Curragh’s concluding Irish Stallion Farms EBF Northfields Handicap for her visiting American-based owners. Murtagh won yesterday’s Sovereign Path Handicap with the Rory Mulligan-partnered Rahmi and the Solonaway Stakes with Alakazi under stable jockey Ben Coen, who also partnered Shaool to success in her €90,000 first-prize event. Held up towards the rear, Shaool made headway on the outer in the home straight and having improved to lead a furlong out, held her 20 rivals. Strongly-fancied UK-runner and recent Ascot winner Crown Of Oaks (10/11f) failed to capitalise being 7lb ‘well-in’ at today’s weights, and finished third. Murtagh mentioned “this filly is improving a lot, and she loves soft ground. She’s had some very solid runs, and she had been going very well at home. Ben gave her a beautiful ride. “It’s great for these lads (Broadfield Group Syndicate) and some have come all the way from America to see her run today. It’s great when it works out like that.” Quotes from Alan Magee
