Laggata a third of the day for red-hot Murtagh

The Irish EBF Supporting Champions Weekend Fillies’ Maiden (Div I) saw 9/4 favourite Laggata lead a furlong from home and outstay the morning market leader Orchid Gardens by a length and three quarters.

A step up on trip was always likely to suit the daughter of Soldier Hollow out of a Monsun mare and she was within her comfort zone throughout.

Rated 82 after three previous outings including a runner-up finish over 7f at Roscommon, Danny Sheehy’s 5lb claim was handy too as he partnered his 8th winner of the season.

Winning trainer Johnny Murtagh, saddling his third winner of the afternoon at combined odds of 437/1, said: “I’m delighted for the Irish National Stud racing syndicate. They had one horse with us earlier in the year that didn’t work out and in fairness to Cathal Beale he picked this one out.

“I was a little bit disappointed with her the last day over a mile. Ben Coen rode her and said step her up to a mile and two. Hopefully she can improve on this and be competitive in a handicap.

“She’s not that big but has a nice bit of ability. It’s always tough to win maidens in Ireland and hopefully she can go on and win another race before the end of the year.

“She’s bred to stay but she always showed plenty of pace at home. I think now that she is relaxing a bit more we will keep her to a mile and a quarter. She’s versatile ground wise.”

Additional reporting by Alan Magee