Halford foils Murphy's double bid

John Murphy looked likely to bring up a double at Dundalk as his favourite Massif Central set sail for home up the straight in the third event. However Michael Halford and Shane Foley are difficult men to keep away from the number one spot at the Dowdallshill venue, and their First Premio saw it out best to prevail in the Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund Median Auction Maiden (Plus 10 Race).

Third here on debut a fortnight back, First Premio was slightly impeded by Massif Central edging right well inside the final furlong, and in the end the former had a neck in hand.

"He did well to win from a bad draw (stall twelve). He loves that surface but is still a bit on the weak side. He's got a lovely attitude and plenty of scope but is still just a frame," revealed Halford.

"He gets the trip well and will be a nice horse next year when he strengthens up."

(AM & EM)