Murtagh in fine form for Derby weekend

Although he could only manage second place behind Camelot in the Irish Derby at The Curragh on Saturday evening, Bohermeen jockey Johnny Murtagh enjoyed a good weekend at the Kildare track and was also able to celebrate Meath's Leinster SFC victory over the Lilywhites on Sunday evening. Murtagh was on board the John Oxx-trained Hartani which completed a hat-trick when landing the group three Curragh Cup on Sunday having previously won twice at Tipperary. Hartani stayed on strongly for a comfortable win over six-in-a-row-chasing Midnight Soprano which was sent off at 2/1 favourite. Murtagh's mount could target the Irish or English St Leger later in the season. Moynalty jockey Declan McDonogh was also in the winners' enclosure on Sunday with the Jimmy Coogan-trained Winning Impact which could be Galway bound if the ground stays soft. Murtagh landed the Sapphire Stakes on Saturday, another group three contest, when he partnered the well-supported English-trained Definightly to victory as he completed a double on the day. Murtagh pounced to win the race after Judge 'N Jury drifted to his right in the final furlong Definightly prevailed by half a length. The Meath jockey also won on Sharestan which had too much class for his five rivals. Murtagh made a good start to the weekend when he won the opening maiden on Friday with the Aga Khan-owned newcomer Sinaniya. Curragh manager Paul Hensey was pleased with the first Irish Derby to be run on a Saturday evening as more than 22,300 patrons flocked through the turnstiles. After the racing on Saturday there was a live performance from ex-Boyzone star Ronan Keating. "I think considering the inclement weather and everything, that has to go down as a success as there is no doubt the weather had an effect on the number of walk-ups we got on the day," commented the racecourse manager. "We obviously had Ronan Keating on after racing as well and that kept the crowds in and allowed them to disperse gradually, so all in all I think the concept worked well," he added.