3 minute read
Olly Murphy saw his decision to put the chasing career of Thomas Darby on hold rewarded with a tenacious success in the Matchbook Holloway's Handicap Hurdle at Ascot.
After two unsuccessful starts over fences, last year's Supreme Novices' Hurdle runner-up made an instant impact on his return to hurdles, carrying top-weight to glory in the Grade Three prize.
Passing Song For Someone over the second-last the 8-1 winner found plenty for pressure to hold the late rally of the long-time leader by a length, making his first start over an extended two miles and three furlongs a winning one.
Murphy said: "We are back on track. I think the step up in trip certainly worked. I stand by my judgement, as I don't think this lad will be seen to his best until he is on a bit of nice ground and he didn't get that today or at Cheltenham.
"It was a good performance first time in a handicap off 151 - to do that on heavy ground around Ascot was no mean feat. Richard (Johnson) said he was still very raw babyish and green, so I think there is still more to come."