Murtagh's Derby bid foiled

Johnny Murtagh's bid for a fourth Epsom Derby success was foiled by the Ryan Moore-partnered Workforce on Saturday. Murtagh had been expected to ride St Nicholas Abbey in the big race, but the colt was withdrawn late last week and the Bohermeen man opted for Jan Vermeer as the best of the Aidan O'Brien trio. However, Jan Vermeer could only manage fourth place after losing two front shoes during the race as Workforce overhauled the best of O'Brien's runners, 100/1 outsider At First Sight which was ridden by Seamus Heffernan.Jan Vermeer travelled well for Murtagh, but had nothing in the tank when Workforce powered through for a seven-length victory. "I was right upsides Ryan Moore, but when he quickened up I couldn't go with him. I was never really confident at any stage," stated Murtagh. There was some compensation for the Meath rider when he won the Woodcote Stakes over six furlongs with High Award on Saturday while on Friday, he won the group one Coronation Cup with Fame And Glory. Murtagh and Fame And Glory hit the front over three furlongs from home and won impressively. Kells owner Norman Ormiston saw his two-year-old newcomer, Seeharn, win at The Curragh on Friday evening under Moynalty jockey Declan McDonogh. Seeharn was backed in from 8/1 to 15/8 favourite at the start and chased the leaders before eventually getting to the front inside the final furlong. Ormiston's filly could go for a listed race at the same track next weekend. The Meath flavour was maintained when Dunshaughlin-based trainer Eddie Lynam sent his own Arcadian Dream to win a maiden and Stamullen-based Tom McCourt won a handicap. McDonogh added to his tally at Tramore on Saturday when he recorded his 14th success of the season. Up to Sunday, in the race for the flat title, Murtagh was in second place on 27 winners, four behind leader Pat Smullen on 31.