Backbench win hands Murtagh the title

Backbench Blues under Shane Foley killed off any chance of a Pat Smullen comeback as they just got the better of Smullen's mount Coolnagree by a neck in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Nursery Handicap.

With just three races left and Smullen four behind Murtagh he can’t catch him and so Johnny Murtagh is now officially the Irish Champion Flat Jockey for 2011.

Backbench Blues trained by Jessica Harrington was sent off the 5/2 favourite having finished second on his debut at Down Royal before winning last time out at Dundalk.

The full brother to this year's Ulster Derby winner Banksters Bonus, was the first one to be ridden at the halfway stage and looked in trouble. However he kept up to his task and ran on well inside the final furlong to just get the better of 4/1 shot Coolnagree. Fatcatinthehat finished a further two and a half lengths back in third at 7/2 for Johnny Murtagh and Willie Mullins. Jeremy's Girl for Lester Winters, who was backed from 20/1 this morning down to 10/1 and from 12/1 to 7/1 on track could only manage a disappointing seventh.

Winning trainer Jessica Harrington said afterwards: "I though he was going to be last when he was shoved along after around three furlongs! But he hated the ground and the trip was too sharp for him.

"He is a smashing horse and I think he will be Listed class next season. He is a full brother to Banksters Bonus."