3 minute read

White Birch continued his sharp improvement with an emphatic victory in the Group 2 Mooresbridge Stake at the Curragh on Sunday.

Whilst the John Murphy-trained colt was a handy performer at three, finishing second in the Dante Stakes before a third in the Derby behind Auguste Rodin, he has looked considerably better as a four-year-old. He started the campaign with a hard-fought victory in the Group 3 Alleged Stakes on heavy ground in April, justifying 100/30 favouritism.

Ridden by Colin Keane in the Mooresbridge, White Birch raced in second before taking up the lead with three furlongs to run. He drew clear of the four opponents at the furlong marker and was eased up by the line, recording a three-and-three-quarter length victory over Lord Massusus.

"I'm very pleased with that, it was a very good performance," said George Murphy, assistant trainer to his father John.

"He travelled along nicely, they didn't go much of a gallop, but it was by far his best performance. We couldn't be happier with that.

"We'll see how he comes out of that and talk to the owners to make a plan. He has the option of the Tattersalls Gold Cup and also the Coronation Cup at Epsom.

"He's come on a nice bit from the last day and hopefully he can come on again."

Paddy Power shortened the winner from 20/1 to 12/1 for the Coronation Cup.