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John O'Riordan

John O'Riordan

Dragon slays rivals for Coen and Murtagh

Thu 11th Aug 2022, 19:07

Shanghai Dragon and Ben Coen win for Johnny MurtaghShanghai Dragon and Ben Coen win for Johnny Murtagh
© Photo Healy Racing

Shanghai Dragon recorded back to back wins when staying on strongly to land the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies & Mares Handicap at Leopardstown.

A winner at Gowran Park on her most recent start, the Johnny Murtagh trained filly doubled up here in the hands of Ben Coen.

The first-time visor that was adopted at the County Kilkenny venue was retained on this occasion and it certainly looked to work the oracle once again as the three-year-old battled bravely all the way to the line. Morning Approach stayed on best from out of the chasing pack to grab the runner-up position close home, with Inchiquin Star back in third.

“That was nice. It took her a while to win but she seems to be improving,” said Murtagh.

“She's thriving at home, she's enjoying the good weather. I thought last time she was highly handicapped and I thought 81 would be a big ask tonight.

“It just shows you when these fillies hit a bit of form, she's on a bit of a roll now. She's probably a little bit heavier than she was at the start of the year and has a bit more strength.

“We'll have to keep going now. She handles most ground and Ben said the ground is lovely, it's fast with no jar.”

Additional reporting by Gary Carson

1st
12/1
Tote €13.00 €1.90
2nd
1.75L
4/1JFav
€1.80
3rd
0.75L
13/2
€1.70
4th
0.5L
4/1JFav
About John O'Riordan
John has worked for the Press Association since 2022. He also writes a weekly column for The Irish Field and is a regular contributor to the Irish Racing Yearbook. He has previously written for the Racing Post, Irish Examiner and Irish Daily Mirror. He has been involved in racing for over three decades; having experience as a syndicate member, sole owner and breeder.