Incredible one-two-three for Murtagh in Northfields Handicap

Longines Irish Champions Weekend concluded with the Irish Stallion Farms EBF 'Northfields' Handicap and it was Johnny Murtagh who enjoyed a one-two-three with Kerkiyra grabbing the valuable victory.

Kerkiyra raced in a handy fifth at the half-way point of this 10-furlong contest and was switched left by Jamie Powell to challenge a furlong and a half out. She soon led and ran away from this big field in the final furlong.

The 11/1 shot took the honours by a length and a half from a staying-on stablemate Safecracker (16/1). Flying Dolphin (10/1) made it a dream result for Murtagh. Gavin Cromwell's Dha Leath completed the places in fourth at 22/1.

Murtagh said:- “It was a long weekend up until this one!

“The three horses were going very well at home. Ben (Coen, who rode Safecracker) couldn't ride this one because she only had 8-8, I thought she was well handicapped claiming the 7lb off her.

“She had been hitting the board and the last day she didn't quite stay over a mile-and-a-half. She travelled really well, got to the front but didn't quite stay.

“I'd say the soft ground was a help too. Jamie said she was wide all the way but she was travelling, got to the front a bit too soon and in fairness to the second he stayed on well.

“Safecracker ran a good race and stayed on well. Shane Kelly said Flying Dolphin is coming back, he got a bit stiff and sore after Ascot and it might have been a bit quick. Soft ground for him, being by Zoffany, helped as well.

“It couldn't have worked out any better. I didn't really care which one won, at that stage I was glad I was coming up this side of the parade ring.

“It was great, all the owners were there watching together and it was a nice feeling knowing one of them was going to win.”

Additional reporting by Gary Carson