Ocean Murphy scores for Rothwell & O'Keeffe Early jockeys’ championship-leader Darragh O’Keeffe was an all-the-way winner on Ocean Murphy (5/2) in Ballinrobe’s Hollymount Nursing Home Handicap Hurdle today, scoring for trainer Philip Rothwell and English-based owner Julie Thomas. Previously a Wexford-winner in July, the son of Crystal Ocean today led throughout and held on well to score by 2.25 lengths. O'Keeffe, riding his 31st winner this term, commented “he's a small, little horse and I knew he'd act well around here. He jumped brilliantly, and when the Gigginstown horse (Manoir De Mirande, placed third) came up to him at the hurdle past the stands, it actually helped him. "He winged the second-last and I was happy to send him on after that, because he gets two and a half miles well, and he found a bit more when the runner-up came at him. "He was getting plenty of weight and it was a good bit of placing. It's a nice pot (€20,000) to get, and I'm delighted to ride a winner for Philip." Quotes from Mark Nunan
