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Donal Murphy

Donal Murphy

Boher blitzes his rivals in Wexford opener

Fri 1st Sep 2023, 17:08

Boher Road and Peter Smithers jump the lastBoher Road and Peter Smithers jump the last
© Photo Healy Racing

Boher Road made all and ran out an easy winner of the opener at Wexford, the Adare Manor Opportunity Maiden Hurdle.

Trained by Jarlath Fahey and a dual winner on the level, the Vadamos bay finished a fine second on his debut over flights at Killarney in May, unseating when beaten on his second try at Punchestown.

Dominant from flag fall under Peter Smithers, the 7/1 chance (3s early) soon established a sizable advantage, not jumping with much fluency and edging out to his right.

He had matters under control approaching the straight and kept up the gallop all the way to the line, coming home 19-lengths to the good in the colours of owner/breeder Pat McCarthy.

Returned the 11/8 favourite, The Lovely Man was a moderate second under Richie Condon for Colm Murphy, while Good Heavens (9/4) was another length-and-a-half away in third.

"He had a good run on his first start over hurdles at Killarney. We tried to settle him the second day and I don't think he likes being settled. He likes to do his own thing out in front and tip away," Fahey commented.

"He was back to form today. He had a mediocre run the last day for no particular reason and we said we'd switch him back to hurdles today and get his interest back. He flew around and the loose horse probably didn't help him a whole lot. He was a good winner.

"It was the plan to make the running, he jumps well and likes to do his own thing in front.

"His owner/breeder Pat McCarthy couldn't be here today, he just came back from a holiday this morning and that'll put a few quid in his pocket.

"We might put him back on the level, he could go for a premier handicap, we will see as he is versatile. Whatever Pat decides is where we will go."

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.