Murrys Act joined Eye Onthe Veto as the sole winners of Champion Stakes/Essex Vase winners when taking the 2018 version of the latter competition on Friday night at Romford.
Kevin Boon’s dog, who had clocked a 13.34 sectional when winning a competition immediately prior to the Essex Vase needed to draw on different talents to land an exciting decider.
MURRYS ACT Essex Vase winner
It followed another superb run from the resilient Oakfied Caesar who was contesting his 93rd outing. John Mullins’ Suffolk raider was pursued by Norfolk based Murrys Act with another Suffolker – favourite Roswell Romanov – in last place.
Derby finalist Murrys Act drew alongside coming around the last bend and hit the front with the favourite looming close. Although Mark Wallis’ runner managed to ease past the front runner, Murrys Act was not for catching and held on by three quarters of a length in 35.34.
It was a second victory in the competition for Kevin Boon whose first ‘Cat One’ win was secured by Star Cash Simon in 2012 and he had been confident throughout the decider.
He said: “I was confident he could win it, though I did feel some sympathy for John’s dog (Oakfield Caesar) who deserved a big win after reaching so many big finals.
“You wouldn’t have thought Act had raced this morning. He was first off his bed and outside, and the first back in when he realised how cold it is. He’ll take it easy for the next few weeks and just keep him busy at home. I’ll then give him either a couple of trials, or run in trialstakes, before taking him back to Towcester for the Derby.”
Kevin Boon’s recently recruited kennelhand Liam Aspin, holding Murrys Act, had a night to remember looking after Friday’s Essex Vase winner. He even needed his mum and dad Mel and Dean to help collect the trophy from Romford’s Carol Chown-Smith (right). Romford 16th March 2018. Photo: © Steve Nash
