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Donal Murphy

Donal Murphy

A Penny A Hundred now two from two

Sat 21st Oct 2023, 14:31

Brendan O'Sullivan, Paul Townend and A Penny A HundredBrendan O'Sullivan, Paul Townend and A Penny A Hundred
© Photo Healy Racing

A Penny A Hundred and Cut The Rope dominated the market for the King John's Castle Maiden Hurdle and they controlled proceedings on the track too, with the Willie Mullins-trained former coming out on top.

With both successful on debut in bumpers at Sligo and Naas, they were sent off at 4/6 and 5/2 respectively, with the Paul Townend-ridden victor the market leader.

The pair alternated the lead from flag fall, jumping two out in unison. A Penny A Hundred gained a narrow advantage before the last and with her rival blundering, she stretched clear in the closing stages, coming home three-and-three-parts of a length to the good in the colours of Brendan O'Sullivan.

Paul Nolan 's Cut The Rope had to settle for second under Sean O'Keeffe, with So They Tell Me (16/1) another five-and-a-half lengths back in third.

"We had the freshest of ground being the first race and she loves jumping. We went an even gallop and my horse was race-fit so had that advantage," Townend commented.

"Everything worked out well, she has a lovely attitude and hopefully can progress throughout the season. Jumping is her forte and that can bring her a long way."

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes

About Donal Murphy
Donal graduated from Maynooth University in 2010 with a BBS in Equine Business and since attained a diploma in Sports Journalism from Dublin Business School. He holds a variety of roles in the horse racing industry, reporting for the Press Association and p2p.ie, while also working for SIS and the Tote. From Wexford, he is a keen runner and has completed over 100 parkruns at various locations around the country.