Recent Goodwood winner ran well as favourite in last year’s Northfields Handicap.
Take Heart Gears Up for Final Handicap Push in 2024
Johnny Murtagh's Take Heart Poised for Another Crack at Curragh
Johnny Murtagh is preparing to give Take Heart one final shot at handicap glory this season. The four-year-old, who finished fifth out of 22 contenders behind Crystal Black in the Northfields Handicap at the Curragh last year, is set to return to the same race next month. This race will be a critical test for Take Heart as he aims to build on a promising season.
A Season of Ups and Downs
Take Heart’s journey this season has been a blend of highs and lows. After struggling with a challenging wide draw in the John Smith's Cup at York earlier in the summer, the grey horse showed his true potential at Goodwood. In the Chesterfield Cup, Take Heart delivered a stellar performance, clinching victory by a neck from Enfjaar under jockey Ben Coen. This win has injected fresh optimism into his connections as they look ahead to the Curragh.
Murtagh’s Strategic Approach
"We've always held Take Heart in high regard," said Barry Irwin, CEO of Team Valor International, the co-owners of the horse. “He had a bit of a rough patch earlier in the year, but he’s shown significant improvement. We believe he’s getting stronger, and this next race will be a key opportunity to showcase his progress.”
A Formidable Pedigree
Take Heart’s pedigree also adds to his allure. His dam, who was known for her stamina and won over 11 furlongs, has passed on some of that endurance to her progeny. Despite Take Heart being by the speed-oriented Dark Angel, he has demonstrated a surprising amount of stamina, which bodes well for the upcoming race.
Looking Forward
As Take Heart prepares for his final handicap race of the year, the excitement surrounding his potential is palpable. The Curragh is set to be a stage where he can prove himself once again, and all eyes will be on him to see if he can surpass his previous performance.
