Angel holds on under Whearty to give Murray Tipperary double

Trainer Adrian Murray registered a second winner on the afternoon as Special Angel just held on close home to land Division ll of the Breen Farm Machinery Apprentice Handicap at Tipperary.

Sent into an early lead by Robert Whearty, the 25/1 chance built up a six length advantage at halfway. Pushed along entering the straight, the filly was pressed by favourite Finsceal Annie under two furlongs out.

The latter looked to have been produced with a perfectly timed run by Wayne Hassett but despite drawing alongside, she could never get to the front.

Special Angel found extra in the last 50 yards, staying on in determined fashion to win by a head.

Adrian Murray, “She’s a filly that was weak up to now and she’s turned a corner. She’s more relaxed in her work at home and is finding everything a bit easier.

“She’s toughed it out real well today. She had an outside draw and had to do it the hard way.

“He said he couldn’t believe how easy he was getting it (in front) down the back straight.”

Additional reporting by Alan Magee.