Surviving Murmansk finally makes the breakthrough on 40th start Surviving Murmansk opened his account at the 40th attempt when finishing with a flourish to take the Frank Gillane Memorial Handicap Hurdle at Tramore. The dual-purpose grey gelding has been based with Jimmy Barcoe for the past two years and went close at Kilbeggan earlier this month. Harry Sexton’s mount still had plenty to do in seventh place approaching the final flight but really got motoring on the outer to strike the front close home. The 4/1 chance beat May Call You Back, who made most of the running, by half a length with Arthur’s Victory just a head back in third. Barcoe said, “It is brilliant to get the win with the horse and for the owner as well, he has always been very good to me. It means a lot. "He has been very solid, and he is a lovely horse to deal with. He has a great manner. He deserved that and does get a bit further. It wasn't simple from where he came from, and he was brilliant over the last two. "Sean (Delaney), who is from Kells in Co. Kilkenny, has been with me a long time and he is a brilliant owner to have." Quotes by Donal Murphy
