John Murtagh made an unfortunate return to action at Cork yesterday evening when taking a fall from Rumours Abound in the Low Low Handicap.
Murtagh, who was just coming back from a seven days suspension for a number of riding offences at the Royal Ascot meeting, was taken to Mallow hospital for precautionary x-rays on an arm and ribs. The Meathman gave up a remaining ride, but is confident of being able to partner the Aidan O'Brien-trained Bach in the Coral Eurobet Eclipse Stakes at Sandown today.
The incident occurred at the two furlongs pole where Rumours Abound appeared to clip heels when close behind the leading pair, Purty Dancer and Fosse. Purty Dancer provided leading apprentice Tadhg O'Shea with his 13th success of the season in this mile event when holding on by three quarters of a length from the staying on Wacky Sport.
Paul Hourigan has also been on the sidelines recently through suspension, but enjoyed better fortune on his comeback when completing a double on April Allegro and Throw The Deuce, both trained by his father Michael.
April Allegro gained a hard-earned victory in the featured Move Over Butter Handicap Hurdle. The five-year-old, sporting the Dorans Pride colours of Tom Doran, led on the far rail between the final two flights before holding off Karakam by a head.
Hourigan senior is currently on a short break shooting in Scotland, and he also missed Throw The Deuce leading after the last to beat Tarbuck by two and a half lengths in the Dawn Smooth 'N' Juicy Maiden Hurdle.
Former Irish rugby international Jim McCarthy, who was part of the Lions team in 1948, missed his first winner as an owner when Quest For Peace made all in the Kerry Spring Water Handicap. McCarthy is currently down under with his close friend Tony O'Reilly.
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