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Donal Murphy

Donal Murphy

Aspen a welcome boost for Pat Martin

Sun 4th Nov 2018, 13:13

Aspen Belle (right) is ridden out by Killian Leonard to beat Idalia Aspen Belle (right) is ridden out by Killian Leonard to beat Idalia
© Photo Healy Racing

The Congrats To The Naas Minor Football Champions 2018 Handicap went to Aspen Belle for the second year in-a-row, as she just held on under Killian Leonard for Pat Martin.

Successful at Cork in May, and placed on her next three starts, the daughter of Roderic O'Connor disappointed last time out at Fairyhouse.

Available at 12/1 in early shows, the bay five-year-old came in for plenty of market support today, opening on-course at 9s, before going off a 7/1 chance.

Settled behind the leaders in the early stages, she was pushed along to lead from halfway, and kept on well under pressure inside the final furlong, holding off the late surge of Idalia by a short head.

The runner-up was returned at 12/1 under Niall McCullagh for Tracey Collins, while Doonard Prince (20s to 14s) and Brave Display (7/1) were third and fourth respectively. Tide Of Time was sent off the 7/2 favourite and he finished fifth.

Stable representative Bernard Caldwell said afterwards: "Pat broke five ribs and punctured his lung last Tuesday week. The accident happened when he was breaking in a horse at home, and he only came out of Drogheda Hospital on Friday evening. He'll be out of action for a few weeks.

"His son Jack (who led up the winner) is looking after things and is doing a great job along with his friend Jordan Kidd.

"This horse wants cut in the ground and five furlongs."

Additional reporting by Alan Magee

1st
7/1
Tote €7.20 €2.00
2nd
shd
12/1
€3.70
3rd
0.75L
14/1
€3.00
4th
0.5L
7/1
€1.80
bf
0.75L
7/2Fav
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.