McGettigan rides third winner for Murtagh on Blues Emperor

Blues Emperor  backed from 13/2 into 4/1 before the off, recorded his first success since winning on Derby day at the Curragh last summer when taking the Irishinjuredjockeys.com Handicap.

Trained by Johnny Murtagh for Mrs Helen Keaveney and Mark Keaveney, the homebred Gleneagles gelding tracked the leaders before moving up to tackle the front-running Tamrat early in the straight.

Gaining a narrow advantage entering the final furlong, he had to be resolute to see off the persistent Tamrat by half-a-length.

Letterkenny youngster Patrick McGettigan, who only got his licence in August, was on board and impressed stable representative Niall Madden who remarked: "Paddy gave him a great ride, that's his third winner so his 10lb claim is gone now. 

“It's great for Paddy, he's getting the ball rolling and he's a good kid. He came from the pony racing circuit, he rides really well and can kick on now.”

Regarding Blues Emperor, Madden added: "He's a great old horse and has been running in premier handicaps all year. It's great that he got a win." 

McGettigan (16) is booked to ride a couple of horses for Newmarket trainer James Fanshawe in England on Monday and Tuesday. 

Quotes from Gary Carson