RACING: Timmy Murphy continued his plundering of some of Ireland's top chasing prizes when he guided the locally-trained novice Be My Belle to victory in yesterday's IAWS Thyestes Chase at Gowran Park.
Murphy has rejuvenated his career following a jail term and nowhere more so than in his homeland where Beef Or Salmon's Ericsson success has been the highlight so far.
However, Be My Belle can't be that far behind in his affections and the bond the pair have forged was perfectly illustrated in their all-the-way win in the €75,000 highlight. "I've always said a tough mare is better than a gelding because they get all the allowances, and she is a very tough mare," Murphy said.
Be My Belle's allowances meant little yesterday considering she raced from 9lb out of the handicap, but it proved no barrier to her eighth career win and her third at Gowran. Trainer Sean Treacy is based in nearby Borris but he had never saddled a Thyestes runner before.
In the event, he had a relatively anxiety-free race in the stands. Murphy dictated the pace and had more than enough left in reserve to hold off the favourite, Takagi, with Kirmar in third. Topweight Foxchapel King finished fourth.
"What can one say about Timmy, the guy's a genius. I don't give any instructions and he never seems to get it wrong. He's just an excellent horseman," Treacy said.
Be My Belle will be kept busy and next week will probably start a warm favourite for the €50,000 EBF Mares Novice Chase at Thurles.
"It sounds a bit quick but racing doesn't get her down at all. We will look at the Irish National, but I don't know about the SunAlliance. I always feel she's better right-handed. But hopefully she will now get the recognition she deserves," Treacy added.
Takagi's trainer, Edward O'Grady, certainly recognised her as a danger and said: "She looked outstanding in the parade ring and was probably that bit sharper than mine. But he has run a very good race."
Another novice likely to miss Cheltenham is Satco Express, who beat off the experienced pair of Rostropovich and Kadoun in the Galmoy Hurdle with Charlie Swan at his very best from the front.
"Charlie has won the three-mile novice at Aintree a couple of times and says this horse is ideal for that race," said trainer Dusty Sheehy. "We'll sharpen him up in the Boyne Hurdle. He probably won't be able to beat Limestone Lad but we'll see what happens."
Doora Volunteer, well backed at Punchestown last week only to bolt and end up withdrawn, made no mistake in the handicap chase. He, too, made all the running and his only danger in the straight was a tendency to jump to his right.
"We've tried to settle him but he's just a runaway. It's a big drawback because he's got a big engine. He might win again if he's not put up too much," said trainer Donie Hassett.
Paul Nolan saddled a double with Colnel Rayburn an easy winner of the handicap hurdle and Windswept Leader all out to hold Move Yourself in the bumper.
A crowd of just over 10,000 yesterday bet a course record for the Tote of €223,883.
