DONAL and Tadhg Murphy are no strangers to the headlines at Portmarnock Raceway. However, on Sunday, April 11th, the accomplished duo had the pleasure of harnessing a first-time-out winner for two new owners, John Madigan and thoroughbred trainer and agent Thomond O’Mara, both based in Tipperary.

The connections landed the Grade B and C trot with the eight-year-old mare Comete Des Landes. The winner’s prize was a fairly standard €1,150. The fact that the race was the fastest mile and a half (3.10.1) in eight such contests so far, would suggest that some of the bigger pots of the high season are within her grasp.