Spice another for Murtagh & Ballygallon

Johnny Murtagh and Ballygallon Stud Limited have enjoyed an excellent start to their partnership, and after scoring with Hawke at Dundalk yesterday, they were on the mark again at Roscommon this evening, with Chilli Spice taking the Irish Jockeys Association Handicap.

Making her Irish debut, the daughter of Manduro was successful at Cagnes-sur-Mer in June, finishing eighth of eight on her most recent start in a Listed contest at Saint-Cloud.

Available at 14/1 last night, the successful chestnut opened on-course at just 7's, before going off a 9/1 chance with Niall McCullagh in the saddle.

Settled towards rear, she had just one rival behind her on the approach to the straight. She soon made good progress on the outer, and was ridden to lead with just under a furlong to go, staying on well from there to score by two and a quarter lengths. Palmones (11/2 to 4's) finished second under Gary Halpin for Andy Oliver, while Reddot Roman (9's to 11/2) was a neck away in third, with Shane Foley in the saddle for Mick Halford. A Year To Remember was sent off the 7/2 favourite and he finished a very disappointing last under Donnacha O'Brien for his father Aidan.

Johnny Murtagh said afterwards: "She's a nice filly, and Niall said she showed a good turn of foot. We thought she was a filly that would stay well. She was a bit buzzy at home but she's settled down now, and I hope there is more improvement to come.

"She could be another one for Champions Weekend. The horses are healthy and well, and they are all running well."

STEWARDS REPORT

The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined A Year To Remember, trained by A.P.O'Brien, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee