Steps In The Sand scores her first Flat win on turf

Written by John O'Riordan

Twice a winner over both hurdles and on the all-weather, Steps In The Sand recorded her first Flat success on turf when staying on late under Patrick McGettigan to land the McNallys Pharmacy Apprentice Handicap at Bellewstown.

Having gradually returned to something like her best form of late, the Ciaran Murphy trained mare added a fifth career win under a supremely confident ride from her young jockey.

Held up in mid division, the Donegal man produced his mount to challenge down the outside of runners early in the straight.

Long time leader Lariat was strongly pressed by the locally trained Maxwell Smart over a furlong out, but Steps In The Sand stayed on best of all to mow the pair down inside the final 50 yards.

Ciaran Murphy said: "He gave her a lovely straightforward ride and sort of got the run of the race. I'm delighted with her.

"Shane Foley rode her the last day and came out beforehand and gave him a really good briefing.

"It was a real warm day the last day in Down Royal, and she sort of boiled over, and she didn't really run her race.

"No, not at all (not ungenuine) - just at that sort of level, sometimes if everything doesn't go right for a horse it is hard for them.

"We'll try and pick something similar again from a mile and six to two miles, and the same grade if we can. Hopefully, she will go in in another one and she has the option over hurdles. She should be able to pick up one of those as well."