Ciaran Murphy is Kilbeggan’s Leading Trainer this season

Ciaran Murphy of Charlestown Racing, Mullingar captured the leading trainer’s award at Kilbeggan Races on Friday, as the season came to a close.

He finished on a successful note as Soldante tasted victory on the final evening of the season at the Westmeath track. In what has been an outstanding season for Ciaran Murphy at the venue, he recorded a treble success, followed by a double success in the two previous meetings.

It was a proud moment for the Murphy family and a thoroughly deserved title.

Owned by breeder Pat McCormack along with David P McCormack and Sarah Glynn, the Soldier Of Fortune gelding made steady headway from three out and led jumping the last to beat Butter Fingers by a length and three-quarters.

“He's a cracking horse. We've loved him from day one, he's had issues but Pat (McCormack) has been fantastic and just let us do our thing,” remarked Ciaran Murphy.

“With the help of Aaron (brother), we have a cracking team. It took a while to get this lad back but this year we've been so happy with him. We made a plan after Galway. Pat had never had a winner here, so we said we'd come here and have one go. It's been a dream for him.”

It has been a remarkable season at his local track with six winners to celebrate in total.

“What an amazing year, it's been absolutely fantastic and we couldn't be happier," he beamed.

“He's a horse that could maybe travel, do something Moudan (half-brother) did, in the autumn time. He could maybe go somewhere like Ayr. He loves soft ground. He'll have a freshen now. He'll be a horse that we keep going for the winter, he's not just a summer horse.

“There is no question there is another one in him, and there is another one in him over hurdles as well," he added.

Jockey Kevin Healy led the 11/2 shot to victory in Kilbeggan's Kilsaran Handicap Steeplechase over two and half miles. Soldante jumped past Butter Fingers at the last and stayed on to win a competitive contest.