St Gallen delights Murphy in Killarney

John Murphy's St Gallen took the honours in the opening maiden for three-year-old colts and geldings at Killarney.

He raced towards the rear for Niall McCullagh in this mile contest and was driven along under three furlongs out.

He began to wind up his challenge after passing the two pole and made good headway on the outer a furlong and a half down.

A narrow lead was grabbed at the furlong pole and he was ridden out to repel the fast-finishing Monarch by a short head at 14/1.

The runner-up was the 2/1 favourite with well-backed 7/2 shot Atlas a further length back in third.

John Murphy said: "I've always liked him and think he's a proper horse but he got no luck when he ran at Dundalk.

"He's a huge horse, he's 16.2hh so will have a future hopefully. We'll give him plenty time he is so big but he has plenty gears and will either go for a winners' or Listed race next."

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes