Cork specialist Apache Gold (7/1) continued his love affair with the Killarney Road, Mallow venue when landing the opening Follow Us On Twitter Apprentice Handicap under Donnacha O’Brien.

O'Brien was following up on his success aboard Misty Lane at Dundalk last night which of course came hot on the heels of his victory on El Salvador is last Sunday's Cesarewitch.

After leading a furlong out, the now three time victor at the venue, looked like he might have to settle for a minor placing when Barbeque and Mamma Rosa got there with every chance inside the last.

At the line though Apache Gold prevailed by a nose and a short-head from those aforementioned rivals.

Winning trainer John Joe Walsh said: "He won this race last year and loves the soft ground. Donnacha gave him a great ride. He's a nice young lad and a good rider.

"Longfield Lad (his other runner that eventually faded into 13th) doesn't like that ground, and he'll probably run at Dundalk over the winter."

The Stewards enquired into an incident about two furlongs out involving Versilia Gal ridden by S. Corby, unplaced, Lily's Prince ridden by G.J. Phillips, unplaced and Barbeque, ridden by K.P. Moriarty, placed second, where it appeared Versilia Gal was crossed and had to check. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned.

Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that G.J. Phillips had caused the incident by riding carelessly and consequently cautioned him having taken into consideration his good record. H. Rogers, trainer, accompanied K.P. Moriarty and D. Marnane, trainer, accompanied S. Corby at this enquiry.

(AM & EM)