The #50,000 Ulster Harp Lager Derby produced a dead-heat for the first time in its history when judge Andrew McKeever was unable to split Masilia and Citizen Edward in Saturday's showpiece at Down Royal.
Johnny Murtagh, fresh from his Royal Ascot heroics, looked to have stolen the race when sending Masilia on a furlong out but Citizen Edward came with a wet sail to take over close home. The Meath rider was in no mood to give up however, and drove the filly back up to rejoin her rival on the line.
Masilia's trainer John Oxx was more than happy with the outcome : 'You always have a 50/50 chance of losing in these tight finishes,' reasoned the Curragh handler. 'She did everything right, apart from running a little green when hitting the front initially, and we will probably give her a break now as this was 'plan A',' he continued
Jim Bolger was not present, but speaking by phone described his charge as 'a tough horse', and revealed that he is likely to make a quick reappearance at the Curragh next weekend.
Murtagh continued his rich vein of form by taking the Eastwood Bookmakers Handicap aboard Instants, while Carraban captured the valuable EBF Coolmore Stud Ulster Oaks for trainer James Burns.
