Bewitched sparkles for Murtagh

Stronger Bewitched makes a winning return at Leopardstown

Last updated: 29th May 2011   Subscribe to RSS Feed

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Bewitched won the Ballycorus Stakes.

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Johnny Murtagh timed his challenge aboard Bewitched to perfection to make a winning return to action in the Group Three Ballycorus Stakes at Leopardstown.

Trained by Charles O'Brien, the 6-1 chance was running in the third colours of the mighty Coolmore operation and was making her first racecourse appearance since scoring at Ascot last October.

Aidan O'Brien's Group One-winning colt Zoffany looked as though he might score on his seasonal return when quickening to the front heading inside the final furlong, but once pulled wide of rivals by Murtagh, Bewitched stormed home to score by a comfortable length and a quarter.

O'Brien said: "I was surprised how she handled soft ground so well last year, so there was no worries about the quicker conditions here today.

"She might go for the Golden Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot now but that could be a very hot race.

"Johnny said she has an even better attitude this season and she feels a lot stronger."

Bewitched was cut to 14-1 from 20s for the Golden Jubilee by Victor Chandler, Ladbrokes were more impressed making her a 12-1 chance whilst Stan James slashed her price to 7s.

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