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Donal Murphy

Donal Murphy

Gunner wins again on hurdling debut

Sat 11th Jun 2016, 18:41

Gunner McGregor leads home Castle Guest (noseband) and Gone Platinum (yellow)Gunner McGregor leads home Castle Guest (noseband) and Gone Platinum (yellow)
© Photo Healy Racing

Gunner McGregor followed-up on his bumper win at Clonmel last month, as he took the opener at Limerick, the Coral.ie Best Price Guaranteed On All Irish Races Maiden Hurdle.

The Eamon Sheehy trained five-year-old was making his debut over flights this evening, and he was backed into 9/4 co-favouritism after opening on-course at 11/4 (available at 7/2 in early shows).

Settled behind the leaders by Brian Hayes, he was fourth with a circuit to race. He was pushed along in third entering the straight, and came with his challenge on the outer from two out, staying on best after the last, going on to score comfortably by five and a half lengths.

The other co-favourites finished second and third respectively, with Gone Platinum filling the runner-up spot under Andrew Lynch for Henry De Bromhead, while Castle Guest was a further three parts of a length back in third under Robbie Power for Mick Halford.

Sheehy, who trains the winner for Richie Minogue, said afterwards: "We definitely fancied him today. He had done plenty of schooling since he won at Clonmel and he jumped very well.

"We might go for a novice with him at Galway next. I wouldn't rule out running him over a mile and a half on the flat either.

"I have eight in training at the moment but room for a lot more. I put in a new woodchip surface on the gallop. It had been a bit shook when the finances weren't there but its back up and running up again."

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes

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.