Impressive Orandi lands Lincoln for Trim owner

HORSE RACING

The Tony Martin-trained Orandi, owned by Trim man CJ Murtagh and Bertie Hourihane, burst through inside the final furlong to land the big pot in the Irish Lincolnshire at the Curragh on Sunday afternoon.

Jockey Shane Foley had to weave his way through traffic on the 10/1 shot before getting on top inside the final 100 yards in the mile event.

The Morandi gelding was held up in the early stages of the €100,000 contest before switching right to get a run two furlongs from home. He came to press Kortez Bay at the furlong marker and put his head in front in the closing stages to record a three-parts-of-a-length win in the feature event on the opening day of the Flat season.

Orandi had won over seven furlongs at the Curragh last May and had been placed on his last six outings.

“We were fortunate to have a very good rider on the day and it all worked out,2 said trainer Martin.

“He was always missing the break, and he rode him twice last year and was confident he would get him out sharp which he did today.

“Originally Wayne Hassett was to ride him and there were cross communications which was unfortunate for him and fortunate for Foley. I thought 5lb would be a big help, but it worked out well.

“He did a sparkling bit of work at Leopardstown a few weeks ago. When he ran here last year, we said we’d put him by for the English one or this race. He does want a dig in it and that’s why he doesn’t run during the summer.

“The jockey was excellent as he broke sharp and the pace was strong, so he gave him a chance. Throughout the race you’d be confident that he’d run well and we were just hoping there wouldn’t be one or two better than him.”

Castletown jockey Jack Kearney was also in the winner's enclosure at the Curragh on Sunday when he rode Goldrush kid to victory in the penultimate race on the card.