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Donal Murphy

Donal Murphy

Dlauro impresses on racecourse debut

Wed 15th May 2019, 21:19

Dlauro and Derek O'Connor Dlauro and Derek O'Connor
© Photo Healy Racing

Dlauro ran out an impressive winner of the last at Punchestown, the Punchestown On Instagram Flat Race.

An easy winner of a point-to-point at Belharbour in February of 2018 when trained by Donnacha Doyle, the son of Lauro subsequently changed hands for a massive 410,000 pounds.

As short as 8/13 in early shows, the Joseph O'Brien trained six-year-old proved easy to back on-course, touching 9/4, before going off a 2/1 chance.

All the money was for Argent Et Or with this one available at 9/4 in the morning, opening on-course at 6/4, before going off the even money favourite.

Out on the track, Dlauro raced in mid-division on the inner under Derek O'Connor, and made good headway from the three furlong pole.

The Lloyd Williams owned bay eased to the front from early in the straight and soon shot clear, coming home eleven lengths to the good. Ballymacaw finished second under Barry O'Neill for John Halley at 33/1, while Above The City (50/1) was a further two and a half lengths back in third.

Argent Et Or faded when headed by the winner under two furlongs out, and he eventually came home in fourth.

O'Brien said afterwards: "He was impressive. He's had a few setbacks since we got him. The ground was nice and safe here today and it was good to get a run into him.

"I was a bit surprised that he was keen for the first couple of furlongs. They set off in a bunch and it lit him up a bit. He would have learned plenty today.

"He made all in his point-to-point and the main thing today was that he learned a bit. It was a surprise to see him win that well but he's a lovely horse.

"He'll have the summer off and go novice hurdling then."

STEWARDS REPORT

The Stewards fined Kieran P Egan, trainer, E350 for lodging a passport in respect of Art Of The Deal in which the vaccinations did not conform with the provisions of Rule 91. The Stewards ordered the withdrawal of Art Of The Deal in accordance with the provisions of Rule 90.

The Stewards interviewed Mr J.J. O'Neill, rider of Lough Sewdy concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards were of the opinion that Mr. J.J. O'Neill was in breach of Regulation 10.3 (g) in that he used his whip with excessive frequency. Having considered hs record in this regard, the Stewards caution Mr. J.J. O'Neill on this occasion.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee

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.