Craft Irish continues on an upward curve for Murphy

Craft Irish has proved a credit to Castlecomer trainer Pat Murphy and after landing a maiden at Dundalk in February, has added three handicap wins since with the latest coming in the RFL Steels Supporting The IRFU Charitable Trust Handicap at the Curragh.

The 13/2 chance was prominent throughout under Jake Coen and, after heading 3/1 favourite Curraheen Princess about a furlong out, kept on well to score by a length and a half. Screen Siren came home best of all to snatch the runner-up spot from the favourite.

Murphy said, “She’s improving the whole time and she looked like she was still a bit green even with the cheek pieces on her but they definitely helped.

“Jake said she has loads of boot but she is just tricky. She is definitely getting better with racing.

“She is ground adaptable and I think we can get some blacktype with her. It’s great to get a win with her over five. She’s won over five, six and seven now.

“There is a Listed race coming up here over six and she may go for that.

“It’s the third anniversary of the death of owner Jay Bradley’s father so it will be special for him.”