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Donal Murphy

Donal Murphy

Well-backed Wildcatted takes the last

Thu 30th Jun 2016, 21:11

Brian O'Connell rider of WildcattedBrian O'Connell rider of Wildcatted
© Photo Healy Racing

The well-backed Wildcatted registered his third career success as he took the last at Bellewstown, the Kingbet Handicap Hurdle.

Available at 14's last night, the Michael McDonagh trained seven-year-old opened at 9/1 on-course before going off a 6/1 chance under Brian O'Connell.

Settled behind the leaders he was pushed along in third two out. He came with his run before the last, and hit the front on the run-in, keeping on well in the closing stages to score by three parts of a length. Persian Wind (returned 9's from 16's last night and from 10's on-course), who lead from two out, had to settle for second under Luke Dempsey for his father Philip, while Sharlanda (10/1) was three and a half lengths back in third under Robbie Power for Colm Murphy. Next Bend and Fighting Days were sent off the 5/1 joint-favourites and they finished fourth and ninth respectively.

Tour D'Argent, who was the early morning favourite, proved friendless with punters and went off at 10/1. He eventually finished a very disappointing eighth.

James Ivors, assistant trainer to the winning handler, said afterwards: "We thought he would win in Listowel (finished sixth) but he obviously didn't stay two and a half miles.

"He didn't settle in Listowel but he got him to settle well tonight."

Additional reporting by Gary Carson

1st
6/1
Tote €6.90 €2.20
2nd
0.75L
9/1
€2.90
3rd
3.5L
10/1
€3.40
4th
4.25L
5/1JFav
bf
28L
5/1JFav
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.