Murchu's jumping passes the test

The jumping of the market-leaders Cairdin and Force Of Habit didn't 'cut the mustard' in the opening Perfect Pint Beginners Steeplechase at Galway and this left the way open for Murchu to prevail under Andrew McNamara.

Winner of a bumper and a maiden hurdle, 'Shark' Hanlon's Murchu threatens to be a better chaser if this performance is anything to go by.

Up the straight he put eight lengths between himself and Markey Cee as Cairdin (Danny Mullins certainly earned his fee) kept going at the one pace to finish nine lengths back in third.

Murchu is a full-brother to Buachaill Alainn (in again at Newton Abbot on Saturday), a winner last week cross-channel for Peter Bowen. A full-sister to the pair, Knock Down won eight in France including a Grade 3 hurdle.

Hanlon said: "I was a bit afraid of the ground. He blundered and unseated Andrew at Down Royal the last day but Andrew said after the race that he'd win the beginners chase at Galway.

"He's done lots of schooling in the meantime and he jumped brilliant today.

"I nearly thought he'd win but he wouldn't want it any worse than soft.

"He'll probably make a better chaser than hurdler." (TW & EM)