18+ | Commercial Content | T&Cs apply | Wagering and T&Cs apply | Play Responsibly | Advertising Disclosure
icon
John O'Riordan

John O'Riordan

Chicago Critic gets up late under Coen to win for Murtagh

Sun 19th May 2024, 16:55

Naas 19 May 2024Chicago Critic and Ben Coen win from Sharinay for trainer Johnny Murtagh Healy RacingNaas 19 May 2024Chicago Critic and Ben Coen win from Sharinay for trainer Johnny Murtagh Healy Racing
© Photo Healy Racing

The Johnny Murtagh trained Chicago Critic stayed on strongly under Ben Coen to get up close home to win the Royal Ascot Trials At Naas Handicap.

Winner of his juvenile maiden over course and distance last October, the son of Night Of Thunder was having the third start of his three-year-old career.

Having been gelded since last seen, when sixth in Group 3 company at Leopardstown last month, the Murtagh trained horse looked much more the finished article here.

Held up towards rear for much of the race, as Ronan Whelan made the running on the well fancied Sharinay Coen moved into mid division over two furlongs out.

With the eventual runner-up quickening from the front, Chicago Critic went fourth over a furlong out, before keeping on strongly inside the final furlong to reel in Sharinay close home.

Johnny Murtagh said: “I always thought he might be a soft ground horse, but we worked him on the grass last week and Ben was very impressed with him.

“He’s been gelded since his last run as well so maybe a bit of both.

“He’s a horse we always liked last year after maybe he won his maiden on soft ground because he’s so genuine.

“I’m delighted the way he’s done it today. Ben said he’s hit the line well and he might be a horse to go for the Britannia in Ascot.”

Additional reporting by Alan Magee.

1st
7/1
Tote €8.30 €2.70
2nd
0.75L
7/2
€1.60
3rd
2L
3/1Fav
€1.10
4th
nk
8/1
About John O'Riordan
John has worked for the Press Association since 2022. He also writes a weekly column for The Irish Field and is a regular contributor to the Irish Racing Yearbook. He has previously written for the Racing Post, Irish Examiner and Irish Daily Mirror. He has been involved in racing for over three decades; having experience as a syndicate member, sole owner and breeder.