Murtagh predicts bright future for Leopardstown winner Zahrann

Johnny Murtagh has big-race ambitions for Zahrann after the promising colt came from last to first to land the King George V Cup at Leopardstown.

A close second on his Navan debut before going one better at cramped odds at Cork, the son of Night Of Thunder – who races in the colours of the late Aga Khan – faced a significant rise in class for this mile-and-a-half Listed contest and was given plenty of time to find his feet during the early stages by jockey Ben Coen.

He was still at the rear of the nine-runner field rounding the home turn, but despite showing signs of inexperience when asked to mount his challenge, Zahraan (5-2) displayed a smart change of gear to run down his rivals and he was ultimately well on top as he passed the post two and a quarter lengths in front.

“He came out of Cork really well and we were happy coming here today. We thought a mile and a half would help him as well. He’s not a slow horse, but he’s learning all the time,” said Murtagh.

“The King Edward VII over a mile and a half at Royal Ascot could be a possibility, depending on how he comes out of this race, and if he won that you could definitely think about supplementing him for the Irish Derby.

“We’ll take it race by race, but the team supplemented one for the English Derby (Midak). He’s a progressive three-year-old and I said to them this is our Calandagan, who won the race in Ascot last year and was able to rock up in York (Juddmonte International) and in those big mile-and-a-quarter races.

“I’m hopeful this horse can keep improving right through the year and get right to the top.”