Murtagh six adrift

Johnny Murtagh closed the gap on Pat Smullen in the race for the flat jockeys' title with a double at Dundalk last night. Murtagh won with the David Wachman-trained Imperial Rome and with Herostatus for English trainer Mark Johnston. However, Smullen won the last race and with two meetings to go at Dundalk, Murtagh's chances of retaining the title don't look promising. Stamullen trainer Tom McCourt was also on the mark as was Slane-based Pat Martin. McCourt's 20/1 shot Tornadodancer caused a shock with Colm O'Donoghue on board while Martin was smiling after Crystal Belle won for Gary Carroll. Both trainers have targeted races at the Louth track before the end of the season.