Image © Healy Racing
Clarinbridge-based handler Barry Murphy returned to the winner's enclosure at Ballysteen on Saturday as Three Tribes landed division two of the six-year-old and upwards maiden, providing him with his first point-to-point winner in two decades.
That previous success came with Drum Native at Ballingarry in June 2006, and while Murphy has enjoyed success under Rules in the intervening years, this marked a rare victory in the pointing sphere for the small-scale operator, who has kept a small team on and off over the years.
Ridden by fellow Galway native Ollie Gilligan, the nine-year-old came from well off the pace to score by a short head from Proud As Punch, with the pair finishing well clear of the remainder in the closest finish of the day.
The Ocovango gelding began to make steady headway from four out, moved into contention approaching the second last and held on gamely on the run-in to secure the narrow verdict.
Murphy, who has just four horses in training, reiterated that the operation remains very much a hobby.
“It’s just a hobby really. We only have a few horses and we do it for the enjoyment of it,” he said.
Despite the result, he admitted that he had not expected a win following the gelding’s point-to-point debut at Liscarroll, where he pulled up.
“I liked the way he ran at Liscarroll as he looked comfortable in the company, but we thought he might need another run.”
Gilligan, who rides out at the yard on a daily basis, was credited for his contribution, with Murphy also benefitting from the help of former jockeys Robbie Geoghegan and Andrew Flaherty at home.
“I’m spoiled, I have three different lads riding out,” he said. “Ollie gave him a great ride. He just did exactly what he was told and the race worked out perfectly for him.”
The success also marked Gilligan’s third winner in the saddle.
A former amateur rider himself, Murphy rode a handful of point-to-point winners and a small number on the track from limited opportunities, having initially been introduced to racing through his brother Richard. He began his career riding out for Gerry Lynch, Michael Kelly and other local handlers.
Operating from his Galway base, Murphy has solid facilities including a two-furlong sand gallop, a grass gallop and schooling fences, along with access to additional gallops nearby.
On the track, he has trained around 14 winners, with Pakens Rock responsible for nine of those victories, alongside other winners including Private Lives and Charleville.
Murphy indicated that Three Tribes, who had shown ability in handicap hurdles last season, is now likely to return to the track later in the summer.
