Johnny, Caroline and Orla Murtagh after their memorable win© Photo Healy Racing
Caroline Murtagh picked a good day to ride her first Curragh winner when Jocular shed his maiden tag in the DoneDeal Apprentice Handicap.
Soon in a clear lead Jocular came back to the field from the five pole.
The game certainly looked up for the 20/1 chance when headed in the final quarter mile by Captain Carleton
However the Champs Elysees gelding gamely battled back to lead inside the final furlong.
In a race that was a great advertisement for the girl apprentices, Ana O'Brien got a tremendous late 'rattle' out of the far from straight-forward, On A Pedestal but she was half a length off Jocular at the line.
A fourth winner in all and a first this season, this was a special success for Caroline Murtagh as it came for her father Johnny.
He said: "We ran the track before racing, and in fairness to Caroline she did everything she said she would. He's a big strider and maybe we were riding him wrong by holding him up.
"He's tough and genuine, and could go for the Ladies Derby over the same course and distance.
"Caroline has been with Eddie Lynam for the past week, and he has been singing her praises so it's been good for everyone. Many thanks as well to Sheikh Fahad (Qatar Racing Limited) for his patience and sticking with Caroline."
The Stewards enquired into an incident in the closing stages involving Eshtiaal (USA), ridden by J.W. Kennedy, and Jocular (GB), ridden by Caroline Murtagh, where it appeared Eshtiaal ran short of room on the inner and was forced to check.
Evidence was heard from the riders concerned in the presence of Aidan O'Ryan (representing G. Elliot, master of apprentice J.W. Kennedy) and J.P Murtagh (master of Caroline Murtagh).
Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards cautioned Caroline Murtagh to ride with more care in future.
(AM & EM)
