Back in the winners enclosure
Thu 21 Nov 2024
Winner 91 of 2024: IKARAK, trained Olly Murphy, and ridden by Sean Bowen. ‘Welcombe Hills Vineyard Handicap Hurdle’ over 3m1f at Warwick.
A great stable debut from our 6-year-old, who, despite the 9-months off the track, and another step up in trip, went off a strong 5/4 favourite. Mid-field for most of the way, they pressed the leader 2f out, disputed the lead inside the final furlong, and kept on well to win by ¾ length. An incredible 5th victory for Ikarak.
Watcj the full race replay here: https://www.racingtv.com/results/2024-11-20/warwick/1554
Timeform rates his victory with a 119, saying: "Without headgear, bounced back to form, justifying strong support back down appreciably in grade on first outing since leaving Anthony Charlton after 9 months off; raced wide, waited with, crept closer after seventh, progress leaving back straight, pushed along soon after, led when not fluent last, drew a couple of lengths clear run-in, eased near finish."
A delighted Olly Murphy after the race: "Well done everyone. Absolutely delighted with Ikarak. He went through his race really well, jumped great on a whole, and he probably won easier than the winning margin suggested. Fantastic to have trained my first winner for Middleham Park Racing, a massive thanks for all the support, and I'm confident we will have some great fun with him."
Find the official photo gallery here: https://www.dwprattracingphotography.co.uk/gallery_788892.html