High drama as Oisín notches first UK Group One win

OISÍN Murphy recorded his first UK Group One win on Saturday when winning the prestigious Coral-Eclipse at Sandown. The Killarney native rode the John Gosden trained Roaring Lion strongly to the line, just shading the Aidan O’Brien-trained Saxon Warrior in a tense finish.

Oisín rode a double on the day but there was high drama when a stewards’ enquiry was called after Oisín’s mount was alleged to have obstructed Saxon Warrior in the run in.

Roaring Lion, who finished third in the Investec Epsom Derby with Saxon Warrior back in fourth, drifted slightly to the right making contact with O’Brien’s horse, who had taken up the inside rail position. The enquiry was screened live on TV with jockeys Oisín and Donnacha O’Brien arguing their case.

Oisín used the whip in his left hand which meant Roaring Lion drifted slightly across Saxon Warrior. However, Oisín claimed the contact was minimal and occurred inside the final few yards and didn’t influence the outcome. O’Brien insisted his horse had been bumped three times in the run in which cost him the race.

After some lengthy deliberations the Stewards decided in Oisín’s favour and the 7/4fav shot gave Murphy his first group win in the UK.

The Sandown double also brought up 12 winners in 21 days for Murphy, who is a nephew of 3 time Gold Cup winning jockey, Jim Culloty.

Speaking to Racing UK after the enquiry, Oisín insisted the decision was never in doubt.

“When you win like that and when the interference is very late, basically riding on top of the line, Roaring Lion had already laid his claim to the race,” Oisín said. “He convincingly won the race and was never really going to lose it,” he added.

Meanwhile, at Sunday’s Limerick card, brothers Jack and Paddy Kennedy both had winners. Jack won aboard the Gordon Elliott trained Mill Quest (6/1) in The Irish Stallion Farms EBF Handicap Hurdle.

The Milan filly was in front two out and stayed on strongly to win. In the next race it was the turn of Paddy who, under a confident ride and taking 3Ib off, steered Neverushacon (5/4) past the post to claim The Party Time Ltd Marquee Hire Steeplechase for trainer Jessica Harrington.

It was the second win of the season for the seven year-old Echo of Light gelding.