Mint makes the breakthrough

The Pat Murphy-trained Mint Man got on top in the closing stages to land an overdue win in the opening five furlong maiden at Dundalk this afternoon. Crystal Luna broke well to make the early running but Mint Man grabbed the lead after a furlong.

The former led again early in the straight, staying to the centre as Mint Man came wide towards the stand's rail.

It looked like the 8/11 favourite had a bit to do passing the furlong pole but he stuck on well, for Ronan Whelan, to grab the lead late on for a length victory.

Mint Man was opening his account at the 16th attempt having been placed on seven occasions. It was Murphy's first winner since January and he said afterwards:-

"He's not winning out of turn. It was a nice opportunity for him.

"We thought he'd have won a maiden a long time ago. He had some very notable runs and I think he has been placed in three or four winners' maidens.

"He has gone close enough in one or two handicaps, but always seems to run better in maidens - he might feel a bit intimidated in handicaps. Of course, we'll have to go that route now. We'll see what the handicapper does.

"I think Colin (Keane on Crystal Luna) held up the pace a bit and our lad had it in his head to go forward, so Ronan just said he had to go forward with him then and he just wanted to come up the near side.

"The two of them worked together to get him home.

"We'll see how he comes out of this and we might run him in one handicap. If not, we will give him a break as he's on the go since the middle of the summer. He didn't start back that early, but still he is after running quite a few times."

(Quotes by Michael Graham)