Koolasice kicks clear as good form of Johnny Murtagh's string bears fruit

Johnny Murtagh's horses have started the season well without really gaining the rewards up to now, but that has started to change and he saddled a double on the Fairyhouse card.

The Curragh trainer was responsible for the easiest winner of the day when the promising Koolasice bolted up in the three-year-old maiden. The Mark Gittins-owned son of Kodiac breezed past the front-running Elzaamone a furlong out before careering away for a seven-and-a-half-length success and it cannot be long before a stakes race beckons.

"It was a weak contest and he did what Johnny expected him to, he had been working well and Johnny's horses are really flying," said winning rider Gary Halpin.