Eton Rifles strikes a victory at the Curragh on 9th October with J Murtagh onboard
On 9th October, the six-year-old Irish wonder, Eton Rifles, under the training of David Elsworth and track guidance by the famous jockey, J Murtagh, claimed the Curragh meeting. The event witnessed the participation of fourteen horses, displaying
their full potential by delivering impressive performances.
Conjuring away the prize money of £22,413.79, Eton Rifles became the centre of attention in the winners’ enclosure.
As the winner started his run, he tracked the leaders and was third in lead halfway through the track. From thereon, Eton Rifles went to lead two furlong out and maintained his pace when challenged in the final furlong.
Elsworth said: "He's a horse that likes to get his toe in and they had plenty of rain. He's run four times for me and run with great credit every time. He's still open to improvement and that's not the ceiling of his ability. He's in the sales and some lucky
fella is going to buy him at Newmarket”.
The horse that got to finish right behind Eton Rifles as the runner-up was Kevin Prendergast’s Seeharn, ridden by D P McDonogh.
Both tracked the leaders at first as Seeharn was seventh, halfway down the track, went headway between horses to challenge early in the final furlong, keeping a firm grip on the established pace but was not able to make any real impression on the winner.
Third to win the race was Reginald Roberts’s Cheviot, the ride of G f Carroll.
His travelling was prominent throughout the race as he started leading before halfway and headed two furlong out. He was third early in the final furlong, but could not threaten the winner the least bit, not letting go of his set pace.
Eton Rifles has raced six times this season, winning just two and coming second only once.
He has had a mix of jockeys this season, winning once under Kieren Fallon at Goodwood on 27th August and the most recent being ridden by J Murtagh at the Curragh.
The other P J Prendergast entry in the race was Simla Sunset with C D Hayes onboard, finishing the race second last.
Eton Rifles has room for improvement and has to further work on his form, according to Elsworth. It is healthy that he has already defined the weaknesses that needs to be focused on while preparing for the next target that comes along after posting the Curragh
win.
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