Shore Step climbing back up the ranks

Shore Step continued to rekindle former glories with success in the Joe.ie Handicap over six furlongs in the Curragh.

The eight-year-old gelding was rated as high as 94 back in 2015 (for Mick Channon) and won in the Curragh earlier in the month of 61. He followed up off 67 today, both for Johnny Murtagh.

He broke smartly to lead under Shane Foley and was there to be shot a furlong and a half out.

His lead was reduced in the final furlong as the challengers fanned across the track in behind him but he toughed it out well by a length at 5/1. Fit For Function chased him home at 7/1 with Buccaneers Vault third at 14/1.

Shane Foley said: "I did 8st 6lbs on him today so I fancied him a bit! He actually picked up better today than he did the last day. I said to Johnny (Murtagh) 'he's only getting fit now!'

"He got his head in front the last day and he was a decent horse in his day and obviously he's starting to rekindle that form.

"He could creep back up to that now (a mark in the 90s). Johnny's horses have been in cracking form all season and hopefully they stay like that.

"He only won a nose in a lesser grade and he was more impressive today in a better race. It just goes to show it was a confidence boost for him the last day. He has progressed again."

Johnny Murtagh added: "I'm only getting the hang of him! He's just after turning the corner.

“It was the same again today and it was very similar to the last time as he went down to the start nice and relaxed.

“Shane said he knew at halfway he was in a good rhythm. He was really letting him roll along and he really loved it.

“The ground is the key to him but he's just clicked into gear. Hopefully the handicapper won't be too hard on him and he'll give him another chance because I think he can win one more.

“I ask (bloodstock agent) Gill Richardson if there were any good English sprinters that could win over here and she suggested him.

“I just think in Ireland in the sprints there aren't as many Galileos! It's taken him a while but he's really clicked into gear.

“It's great that the horses are running consistently well.”

Additional reporting by Gary Carson