Murphy's Cavalry Charge pays off

John Murphy took the Silver Irish EBF Ballyhane Stakes for the second year in a row as his Cavalry Charge bolted up.

The 12/1 chance travelled into contention for Robbie Colgan and was sent after his stablemate Arges racing to the final furlong. Cavalry Charge was ridden to claim the lead in the final 150 yards and surged clear to win by a healthy five lengths. Arges held on to second at 3/1 from Lechro at 8/1.

The trainer's son and assistant trainer, George Murphy, said: “We're delighted with that. He was a little bit green and silly the first day in Leopardstown. He got caught wide, hung out as he got a little nervous with the horses on his inside.

“He was still a little green there and Robbie said he'll come forward again. I'd say he could be a very smart horse, he won well there.

“He has a few big entries so we'll consider them and he'll definitely run in pattern company next.”

Murphy won this valuable median auction race with 50/1 Sweet Gardenia last year.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson