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Donal Murphy

Donal Murphy

Easy for Extrapolation in Downpatrick finale

Fri 5th May 2023, 21:46

Extrapolation & Eoin O'Brien pictured on their way to victoryExtrapolation & Eoin O'Brien pictured on their way to victory
© Photo Healy Racing

Richard O'Brien's Extrapolation comfortably got the better of Willie Mullins and Gordon Elliott trained rivals in the concluding contest at Downpatrick, the Racing TV INH Flat Race.

The winner of a point-to-point on his eighth start at Ballycrystal when in the care of Shane Donohoe, the grey victor finished second on his debut for O'Brien at Navan in March.

Since fourth at Clonmel, he was returned a 3/1 chance this evening with Eoin O'Brien aboard.

Sent straight to the front, the Mahler six-year-old made all and raced in a clear lead for much of this extended 2m 1f heat.

He had all his rivals off the bridle with over two furlongs to race and he kept on well in the closing stages to post a comfortable 10-length success.

The Gordon Elliott-trained Valsorpresa (2/1) filled the runner-up spot under Harry Swan, while newcomer Surf Club (6/5f) was three-parts of a length away in third.

"I thought that was a very tough bumper (in Clonmel) and it was very heavy ground," the winning trainer commented.

"It was nicer ground there today and he's a lovely horse. He's a horse we could try on the Flat.

"I'm delighted for Michael and Joan Toomey (owners) and delighted for their support. They will have a bit of fun with him across the summer.

"Eoin was suspended while Ray (Barron) was riding him. Ray did a terrific job and I'm delighted to have Eoin back. We have luck together."

The winner is out of a half-sister to multiple Grade 1 winner Harchibald.

STEWARDS REPORT

Mr N. Gault, rider of Augusta George trained by W J Bryson, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount hung left in the latter part of this race.

Additional reporting by Michael Graham

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.