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Donal Murphy

Donal Murphy

Realt makes it four for Elliott

Fri 4th Nov 2016, 16:09

Realt Mor and Keith Donoghue pictured on their way to victoryRealt Mor and Keith Donoghue pictured on their way to victory
© Photo Healy Racing

Realt Mor made it four on the day for Gordon Elliott, as he took the Robinson Services Handicap Chase.

Successful in the Grade 1 Powers Gold Cup in March of 2013, the son of Beneficial didn't win again until scoring at Ballinrobe in August.

He then fell in the Kerry National, before pulling up on his most recent outing at Navan.

Sent off a 7/1 chance this afternoon, he was settled in second by Keith Donoghue. He improved to lead after the fifth last and extended his advantage after three out, keeping on well from there to score easily by seven lengths. The Shepherd King finished second under Mark Enright for Roy Watson at 16/1, while Coldstonesober was a neck back in third under Kevin Sexton for Jimmy Finn at 12/1.

Elliott also saddled Killer Crow who was sent off the 2/1 favourite. He dead-heated for fifth with Lisa O'Neill in the saddle.

The winning handler said afterwards: "It's a great day - we had four winners. Obviously the one we thought would win (Apple's Jade) got beaten. That's racing, it's a great game.

"He has an engine but he's just a monkey. He's had a lot of problems.

"We'll try and find a few conditions races over the winter for him. He won a Grade One for us so we can't complain.

"The Sloans (owners) are big sponsors here today and they are big supporters of the yard.

"Killer Crow jumped poorly, they went a gear too fast for him."

The four-timer for Elliott comes in at just over 135/1. His other winners today were Monbeg Notorious Wolfslair and A Toi Phil

STEWARDS REPORTS

The Stewards requested a report from Gordon Elliott, trainer as to the apparent improvement in form of Realt Mor, placed first, as compared with its recent form. The trainer reported that this horse had been running well but raced too free at Navan last time which may have accounted for his poor performance. Having considered the evidence the Stewards noted the contents of the report.

The Stewards interviewed K.C. Sexton, rider of Coldstonesober, concerning his use of the whip in the latter stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards found the rider in breach of Reg. 10 3.(f) by using his whip with excessive frequency and suspended him for one race day.

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.