GIVEN the way Ireland has dominated long-distance handicaps on the flat and over hurdles in recent years, it should come as no surprise to hear that the Ebor Trophy was marked for export this week.

But the assumption that if it’s heading west, it’s off to Closutton was challenged yet again with Johnny Murtagh reminding British race fans that he has a magic touch of his own with a second success in the big York contest courtesy of Sonnyboyliston (Ben Coen).