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Donal Murphy

Donal Murphy

Manning & Bolger complete 34/1 double

Wed 20th Sep 2017, 16:41

Focus On Heaven (left) stays on best to beat Invincible Ryker (noseband)Focus On Heaven (left) stays on best to beat Invincible Ryker (noseband)
© Photo Healy Racing

After winning the second with Solar Wave Jim Bolger and Kevin Manning doubled-up in the Dandy Man Maiden with Focus On Heaven

The daughter of Intense Focus ran a cracker on debut at Naas in October of last year, going down by just a head to Wayside Flower.

She had plenty of subsequent winners behind her on that occasion, and was installed the 15/8 second favourite in early shows for this six furlong contest.

The bay victor, who is out of a four time winner in Sunset Beauty, proved easy to back, opening on-course at 9/2, before going off a 4/1 chance in the colours of Bolger's brother Patrick.

Settled behind the leaders, she was ridden to challenge under two furlongs out, and got to the front inside the final 150 yards, keeping on well to score by two and a half lengths.

The favourite Invincible Ryker (15/8 to 13/8 on-course) finished second under Pat Smullen for Mick Halford, while Hushing 15/2), who was hampered a furlong out, was another three parts of a length away in third for Billy Lee and Willie McCreery.

"She's a good filly. I don't think the ground matters to her and it's just the way it worked out as she wasn't ready until now," said Bolger.

"She had a few little setbacks but has come good in recent times.

"Hopefully we can get some black-type with her before she goes to stud."

STEWARDS REPORT

The Stewards enquired into an incident in the closing stages of this race involving Hushing (GB), ridden by W.J. Lee, placed third and Littlevix ridden by G.F. Carroll, placed fourth, where it appeared that interference may have occurred. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that G.F. Carroll was in breach of rule 214 in that he had ridden carelessly, and having considered his record in this regard suspended him for 1 raceday.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson

1st
4/1
Tote €4.00 €1.30
2nd
2.5L
13/8Fav
€1.02
3rd
0.75L
15/2
€2.40
4th
0.5L
10/3
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.