Eddystone Rock followed up a recent Wexford maiden win with a second success at Navan today, as the Johnny Murtagh owned and trained gelding landed the Ryan & Co Accountants Handicap, under Connor King, by all of six lengths.

The son of Rock Of Gibraltar has progressed very well since joining Murtagh this year but following today's success, the well-connected trainer and former jockey surprisingly revealed “I bought him at the horses-in-training sale and couldn't get an owner for him. I'm kind of happy I have him (runs for JP Murtagh Racing) now!”

He added “I felt he had improved from his last run and he's settled into the place now.

“He was working better than he had all year and he has strengthened up well.

“The handicapper is going to be harsh on him after winning by six lengths and he'll probably have to go for a premier handicap but hopefully he can step up.

“We were only learning with him and the first day in Dundalk we made the running with him but he likes to be held up and come through horses.

“I always thought he wanted good ground but he has handled soft as well.”

By Tom Weekes, quotes from Gary Carson