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Donal Murphy

Donal Murphy

Blinkers a 'big help' as Dunkirk wins easily

Wed 24th Apr 2019, 19:01

Dunkirk Harbour is pushed out by Donnacha O'BrienDunkirk Harbour is pushed out by Donnacha O'Brien
© Photo Healy Racing

After taking the opener with Fort Myers Aidan and Donnacha O'Brien doubled-up in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden over a mile, as Dunkirk Harbour routed his rivals.

The son of Declaration Of War was beaten into second when sent off a 4/9 chance over the course last week, but that contest was over an extended mile and a quarter.

Back in trip this evening, and fitted with blinkers for the first time, the grey colt went to post a clear favourite at 8/13.

Settled behind the leaders in third, he cruised through into a share of the lead from early in the straight.

He then hit the front from the furlong pole, and soon stretched clear to score by six and a half lengths. Queen Guanhumara (10/3) finished second under Ronan Whelan, while Casa Romano was a further length back in third.

"I thought he'd do that last week but it probably didn't suit having to make my own running then and he started hanging a little bit up the straight," said Donnacha O'Brien.

"Blinkers seem to have been a big help. It was a moderate race but it was nice to get a win into him."

Additional reporting by Gary Carson

1st
8/13Fav
Tote €1.40 €1.02
2nd
6.5L
10/3
€1.30
3rd
1L
4/1
€1.60
4th
5L
14/1