Inspired Murtagh wins Naas finale

The Bill Farrell trained Man Of Erin under an inspired Johnny Murtagh, gained a dogged win in the www.totegoracingclub.com Handicap at Naas this evening, overcoming what looked a losing position strides from the line.

The son of Invincible Spirit attempted to make all but was headed by Miracle Cure a furlong out. There was very little between the pair for much of the final furlong but Miracle Cure gained what looked a winning edge in the closing stages and matched at 1.02 in-running on Betfair. However, Murtagh kept Man Of Erin going and the pair edged ahead near the line, for a 'head' win.

Afterwards Farrell stated “it was a great ride from Johnny – it was seriously good.

“We are learning as we go along with Man Of Erin - I wanted to drop him in but Johnny wanted to go on with him so we played it by ear.

“He is still green and we'll see what the handicapper does and progress from there. He'll tell us when he is ready to run again.”