Shane Kelly appears to have a near unassailable lead at the head of the apprentice title race after partnering his 31st winner of the campaign aboard Veritable Gallery in the Talbot Hotel Handicap at a well-attended Wexford yesterday afternoon.

Kelly, who rode out his 5 lb claim on City Imp in the finale at the Curragh on Saturday, although under new Turf Club rules he has a couple of days grace before the claim reduction to 3 lb comes into force, gave the Joe Canty-trained gelding a strong ride to outstay Kohoutek by two lengths.

Ruby Walsh, amateur champion for the past two years, heads the National Hunt riders championship after chalking up winner number 15 of the season aboard Storm Gem in the featured Goldstar Card Handicap Hurdle.

The Pat Fahy-trained mare showed admirable determination, rallying at the last to beat Hazel Honey by two and a half lengths, and will next travel to Galway for the C T Electric Handicap Hurdle - a two-mile Listed event - on September 8th.

Kilteelagh Lass finally came good in the opening Donohoes Pub Enniscorthy (Mares) Maiden Hurdle, making all under Norman Williamson for a 20-length win. The five-year-old was cruising about five lengths clear of hot favourite Top Flight Travel when that rival broke down on the approach to the last flight.

Andrew Thornton - sidelined since May 4th after breaking his left leg in a fall at Fontwell - hopes to return to action next month.

Thornton partnered a personal best total of 80 winners last season before the accident.

"My leg is coming on very well," he said. "I'll be having some more X-rays and then I'll go back to see Michael Foy at the Ridgeway Hospital in Swindon a week tomorrow and I'm hoping he will then give me the all-clear."