18+ | Commercial Content | T&Cs apply | Wagering and T&Cs apply | Play Responsibly | Advertising Disclosure

Joe Murphy off the mark for 2022

Messa Concertata Messa Concertata
© Photo Healy Racing

Fethard trainer Joe Murphy got off the mark for the season when Messa Concertata (7/2) won the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden.

The 74-rated filly was always in the front rank as the field edged across to race close to the stands’ rail. She responded well to Gary Carroll’s urgings in the final furlong to beat Tiny Bit and Wild Eyed Girl by half a length and a short head.

Murphy, who had his best seasonal tally last year with 19 winners, said: "We weren't expecting her to win as she wasn't working as well from last year but could be one of those horses who is better on the race track than she is at home.

"Gary says she is very genuine and she'll go for a handicap now and already has the experience."

Quotes from Thomas Weekes

1st
7/2
Tote €5.90 €1.80
2nd
0.5L
14/1
€3.70
3rd
shd
14/1
€3.60
4th
0.75L
80/1
bf
0.75L
7/4Fav
About Mark Nunan
Mark has followed racing since he was a teenager and worked for many years as a broadcaster with the Irish version of Racecall. He joined the Press Association in 2019 and is also a contributor to the Racing Post. A native of Kildare, he now lives in Sligo.