Murphy's handling of Roaring Lion a perfect template for the future
It was a barely perceptible footnote to the race in which Aidan O’Brien hoisted his world-record 26th Group 1 triumph on Saturday. But to this eye, it was ointment that soothed a long-inflamed cyst.
As a result of hanging sharply left in the closing stages, Roaring Lion was advanced in some quarters as the best horse in the Racing Post Trophy. That may or may not be true. What is undeniably true is that Saxon Warrior, under Ryan Moore, was not impeded by Roaring Lion’s wayward progress. In consequence, he was able to rally and claim the spoils.
What’s so unusual about that, you may ask? It was unusual in a simple but utterly fundamental detail, specifically that Oisin Murphy, aboard Roaring Lion, acted quickly to straighten his mount as he threatened to collide with Saxon Warrior.
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