Catherine Gannon (16), a graduate of the apprentice centre RACE in Kildare, recorded her first winner on her sixth ride when newcomer Quevilly caused a shock in the Derrinstown Stud Apprentice Maiden at Tipperary last night.
The Donaghmede rider gave the son of Rainbow Quest a very tender introduction, only easing past Manhattan Island in the final 50 yards to score by half a length.
Quevilly's victory was the second leg of a double for trainer John Oxx, now on the 46 winner mark for the season after Rhine Valley had earlier justified odds-on support in the Breeders Supporting Tipperary Handicap.
The Danzig filly completed her hat-trick in convincing fashion under John Murtagh, making all and drawing clear a furlong out to beat Best Before Dawn by two and a half lengths.
"She needs fast ground and five furlongs, and could take her chance in the Group Three Flying Five at Leopardstown next month," said the Currabeg trainer.
Paul Scallan, rider of second-placed Manhattan Island in the apprentice maiden, later gained compensation aboard Broken Promise in the Racecall/Phonovation 10-Year Birthday Handicap. The Aidan O'Brien-trained filly, providing the talented claimer with his ninth success of the season, led over a furlong out on the far rail to beat Hawas by one and a half lengths.
Christy Roche picked up a two-day suspension after dropping his hands in the closing stages aboard Akuna Bay who finished fifth to the impressive St Clair Ridge (Kevin Manning) in the EBF Bank Of Ireland Private Banking Fillies Maiden.
Jim Bolger's filly at last got her head in front after showing plenty of ability on three previous starts.
Compton Admiral can continue his progress in the £25,000added Solario Stakes at Sandown today. Gerald Butler's charge faced Killer Instinct, who, if the ridiculous amount of hype was to believed, already had the 1999 2,000 Guineas in the bag before stepping foot on a racecourse.
But when push came to shove, Compton Admiral proved superior, staying on strongly to beat the hotpot by a length.
