Murtagh lucky to escape unscathed

Bohermeen jockey Johnny Murtagh suffered a horror fall at Dundalk on Sunday when his mount, Hurricane Alley, sent him crashing to the all-weather surface in the concluding Oriel Handicap. Murtagh's charge clipped the heels of the horse in front and he hit the ground, bringing down Noel Meade's Queen Althea in the process. Murtagh was treated immediately and was removed from the track in a neck brace that left the large crowd fearing the worst for the Meath man. However, on his Facebook page on Monday Murtagh declared he was alright after the fall. Queen Althea's rider Tim Carroll was also unhurt. The race was won by the Ger Lyons-trained Royal Entourage under Emmet McNamara, doubing up after winning at Laytown the previous Tuesday. The concluding race at Laytown, an amateur event, was won by 5/1 shot Solid Air from the Eddie Lynam stable in the hands of the very capable Andrew Duff who was never too far off the leaders. Duff sent his mount to the front from over three furlongs out and was soon clear of his rivals for a comfortable three-length victory. Murtagh, who finished second in the Irish Champion Stakes, enjoyed a treble at Leopardstown on Saturday where Via Con Dios, You'll Be Mine and Poet all won for the Bohermeen man. Murtagh has yet to decide whether to ride at Doncaster or the Curragh this Saturday. The popular Meath jockey could partner Yeats in the Irish St Leger or Age Of Aquarius in the final Classic of the British flat season. Locally this weekend, Trim Pony Races will take on Sunday, 13th September at Rathnally with the first of 13 races at 12.30. There will be a prizefund of €7,000 and local charities, Trim Meals-on-Wheels and St Joseph's Hospital will benefit.