Derby Sale Graduates Strike Again in 4yo Maidens

The run of success for Derby Sale graduates continued over the last two weekends, with Luke Murphy’s CUSTODIUM and Denis Murphy’s FEROCIMO adding to the impressive haul of winners from Ireland’s Premier Store Sale.

Custodium provided Luke Murphy with his first four-year-old winner of the season when taking the 4yo Geldings Maiden at Ballyragget. A son of Curtain Time, he was purchased from Kieran Cotter’s Woodhouse Stud by Monbeg Stables.

He is a half-brother to Ben Pauling’s six-time winner Sound And Fury, while his dam is a half-sister to Martin Pipe’s 2005 Grade 1 Arkle Chase winner Contraband.

The victory was made extra sweet for trainer Murphy, as he was on board Custodium, and he also owns the four-year-old. He commented: “I’ve loved him since the day I bought him. I saw him three times at the Derby Sale. He has a lot of presence and power about him.

“I got the feeling at the Derby Sale that he could be one to make an early four-year-old. He handled the testing conditions on the day, and I fancied him strongly because his work had impressed me since Christmas. I’d like to think that he has all the credentials to develop into a smart staying chaser.”

Denis Murphy doubled his four-year-old tally this season at Ballycrystal with FEROCIMO, a son of Order Of St George, whose unraced dam is a half-sister to dual Grade 1 winner Ferny Hollow.

Commenting on the performance, Murphy said: “I’m really pleased with that. He looked very green, and his rider Shane Cotter confirmed that too. We fancied him because he has a lot of natural ability, and has never been off the bridle.”

He was sold by Paul Giles’ Moyfinn Stud to Denis Murphy’s Ballyboy Stables and Rob James for €48,000 at the 2025 Derby Sale.

Murphy has already tasted four-year-old success this month with Derby Sale graduate NEWGROVE who made a winning debut at Tyrella.

After eight weeks of four-year-old maidens, so far this term, more four-year-old winners have been sold at the Derby Sale than any other Store Sale.

Entries for Ireland’s Premier Store Sale are currently being taken. The Derby Sale year after year consistently produces Grade 1 winners, and attracts National Hunt racing’s leading trainers, owners, and agents.