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Donal Murphy

Donal Murphy

Salah on target in Curragh finale

Wed 5th Jun 2024, 20:59

Salah Belle and Robbie Colgan lead home Fivecromwellplace and Nathan CrosseSalah Belle and Robbie Colgan lead home Fivecromwellplace and Nathan Crosse
© Photo Healy Racing

Despite proving easy-to-back, Salah Belle made it two wins from three starts in the concluding Sky Bet Request A Bet 3yo Handicap.

A 33/1 winner on debut at Dundalk in December, the Sheila Lavery-trained bay since finished down the field on soft ground when last seen.

Owned and bred by Claire Noone, the daughter of Calyx was sent off a 16/1 chance this evening, drifting from early shows of 9/1.

Settled just behind the leaders on the inner by Robbie Colgan, the 74-rated victor travelled best with a furlong-and-a-half to race.

Soon ridden, she edged to the front inside the final 150 yards, ultimately coming home a length-and-a-half to the good.

Paul McEnery 's Fivecromwellplace (16/1) filled the runner-up spot under Nathan Crosse, while Dark Viper (4/1 from 11s early) was half-a-length back in third.

Placed on his last three starts, The Bear Trap was returned the 10/3 favourite and he finished a disappointing eighth.

"She was just very gassy the last day over seven," said Lavery.

"I'm delighted, she did that very nicely. She's a very straightforward filly but she just has no patience for hanging around here (in the winners enclosure).

"There is a race for her in Fairyhouse but I'll have to see what the handicapper does.

"The guys thought she'd get seven last time and that's why I ran her and maybe if she settled she would, but I think it's just easier to keep her at six at the moment.

"I'm thrilled for her and thrilled for Claire."

STEWARDS REPORT

C.J. MacRedmond, rider of Blame Thechampagne, trained by Adrian McGuinness, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount hung right throughout.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson

1st
16/1
Tote €24.20 €5.10
2nd
1.5L
16/1
€4.80
3rd
0.5L
4/1
€1.70
4th
1.25L
8/1
bf
0.5L
10/3Fav
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.