The Lir Jet (left) stays on strongly to win
The Lir Jet (left) stays on strongly to win

Oisin Murphy at his stronest as The Lir Jet wins Norfolk Stakes


Oisin Murphy was at his strongest as The Lir Jet (9/2) landed the Norfolk Stakes.

For much of the Group Two contest, American raider Golden Pal (12/1) looked to have the race in safe keeping, blazing a trail and being three lengths clear approaching the furlong marker.

However, the champion jockey refused to concede defeat and under a strong left-hand drive, his brave partner reeled the leader in close home for a neck success.

The pair were three lengths clear of Imperial Force (15/2) in third, with well-supported Eye Of Heaven out of the frame.

Click the image to watch the free video replay
Click the image to watch the free video replay

Betfair and Paddy Power introduced the winner at 14/1 for the Coolmore Nunthorpe at York.

Bell said: “He’s one of the fastest two-year-olds I’ve had – he’s all speed. During the race I was a bit worried when the leader went so far clear, but Oisin (Murphy) obviously thought he had it under control and the horse battled.

“He’s a very inexperienced horse. He’s only run the once and has never really had to dig in before because when he won (at Yarmouth), he won on the bridle. He’s learnt how to race today and I think you’ll see a better performance next time, hopefully.

“My son found him and then Sheikh Fahad was watching him on the telly at Yarmouth. He asked if he was for sale and the rest is history.”

He added: “He’s won a Group Two now, so if he runs in another Group Two he’d carry a penalty. I’d be inclined to aim him at something like the Prix Morny, but we’ll speak to Sheikh Fahad and David Redvers and come up with a plan.

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“The Nunthorpe would be another option, but all the balls will go up in the air. When you start winning Group races as a two-year-old you’re looking at stallion potential, so there’s all sorts of things that need to be considered, but if Battaash was to go for the Nunthorpe, I’d say he should probably be avoided.

“The Commonwealth Cup would be an obvious target for next year, when the crowds will be here.

“It’s brilliant for us to have a winner for a high-profile owner. Every trainer needs good horses and big winners, especially for a big operation like Qatar.”


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