'I couldn't believe he was 25-1' - trainer Olly Murphy on his big-priced winner

The success of Spirit Of Waterloo in the 3m1½f handicap hurdle was a bittersweet one for Olly Murphy, who was ruing not backing his fancied runner at odds of 25-1 at Hereford on Monday.

The seven-year-old was disappointing last time but Murphy was keen on his chances based on the form he showed when second at Market Rasen previously.

And that confidence clearly inspired Aidan Coleman, who made his charge for the lead two from home and bravely fought off the challenge of Samtara by a short head.

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Murphy said: "I'm not a gambling man but God knows [how I'd be feeling now] if I was. I couldn't believe he was 25-1. He was lame after his last race but ran very well at Market Rasen the time before. I'm really happy and that was a masterful ride from Aidan."

Murphy and Coleman quickly completed a 142-1 double with Port Of Mars in the 3m1f beginners' chase. Stamina came to the fore as the seven-year-old drew clear of favourite Milanford, with the National Hunt Chase now a potential target.

Port Of Mars: completed a double for Olly Murphy and Aidan ColemanCredit: Alan Crowhurst / Getty Images

"He's a grand type and one for those big staying handicaps next year. He'll win plenty of races," he added. "It's good to have a winner for Noel and Valerie [Moran], who have been good to me since I've been training. They're building a nice string of horses in England.

"He'll have an entry in the National Hunt Chase. I'd look at it, but he'd certainly want the ground to be on the soft side."

Coleman went on to land a third winner on the Robert Walford-trained Flagrant Delitiep in the 2m5f handicap chase.

Murphy came within inches of completing his own treble when Dubai Guest was narrowly denied by Apple Rock in the 2m3½f conditional jockeys' handicap hurdle.

However, the neck victory proved a landmark moment for Kevin Brogan as he rode out his 7lb claim on the Ben Pauling-trained runner.

The jockey said: "It's been brilliant. I think I've averaged about a winner a week since my first one here. Jonjo O'Neill has had big belief in me and gave me rides straight away. He got the ball rolling, so a huge thanks to him.

"I've no preference to racing over hurdles or fences, I just love racing. I absolutely love it!"

Patrick's one to follow

Richard Patrick was pleasantly surprised by the turn of foot showed by Ballybegg and he thinks the Kerry Lee-trained novice could be one to follow after breaking his duck in the opening maiden hurdle.

Richard Patrick: impressed by Ballybegg at Hereford on MondayCredit: Edward Whitaker

"That was very impressive," he said. "We fancied him today. It's real testing ground. I could hear them around me turning in so I gave him a squeeze and I couldn't believe how clear he'd gone and how easily he'd put the race to bed in a few strides."

Meanwhile, Nigel and Sam Twiston-Davies completed a double on the card. The Mick Preston continued his climb up the ranks with a comfortable success on his handicap debut before Ballybough Mary took the bumper in good fashion.

Results, replays and analysis

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