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Donal Murphy

Donal Murphy

Aimhirgin wins at Killarney for the President

Wed 13th Jul 2016, 18:51

Aimhirgin Lass (outside) comes with her challenge under Declan McDonoghAimhirgin Lass (outside) comes with her challenge under Declan McDonogh
© Photo Healy Racing

The John Oxx trained Aimhirgin Lass recorded her second career success, as she took the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Handicap in the colours of President Michael D Higgins.

Successful at this festival twelve months ago, the daughter of Pivotal has finished second on three of her five starts since.

Stepped up in trip to a mile and three for the first time today, she was sent off a well-backed 13/8 favourite (from 5/2 on-course).

Settled in rear by Declan McDonogh, she was ridden to challenge on the outer from the two furlong pole, and got to the front in the final 50 yards, going on to score by half a length.

The hat-trick seeking Ringside Humour (4/1) attempted to make all, but she couldn't hold off the winner, and had to settle for second under Kevin Manning for Jim Bolger. Embiyra who went off a 7/4 chance from 3's last night, finished a further two and three parts of a length back in third.

Declan McDonogh said afterwards: "There was real good pace on and it was a proper test. I always felt I was going to get there easy but she idled a little bit in the last 100 yards.

"We weren't sure about the mile and a half for her but the fact she gets that trip now gives her options and she has a future.

"Being by Pivotal it is strange to see her get a mile and a half but she is quite relaxed and very sensible and does everything right. She won her maiden here so she likes the Kerry air!"

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes

About Donal Murphy
Donal graduated from Maynooth University in 2010 with a BBS in Equine Business and since attained a diploma in Sports Journalism from Dublin Business School. He holds a variety of roles in the horse racing industry, reporting for the Press Association and p2p.ie, while also working for SIS and the Tote. From Wexford, he is a keen runner and has completed over 100 parkruns at various locations around the country.