James Barrett was full of praise for Robbie Downey, after he guided Melanna to victory in the Galway Apprentice Handicap.

Upped just three pounds in the handicap for a recent Curragh win, the daughter of Camacho was sent off at 9/2 today.

Settled in mid-division on the outer, the five-year-old bay took closer order from four furlongs out and was almost on terms at the three furlong pole.

She was pushed along to lead a furlong and a half from home, and she kept on well in the straight, going on to score by two lengths. Elm Grove who was sent off a 7/2 joint-favourite (from 8's last night), finished second under Colman Comerford for Willie McCreery, while The Fox Tully (14's to 10's) was a further three parts of a length back in third, with Evan Daly in the saddle for Ger Keane. Lilly The Lioness was the other joint-favourite and she finished seventh under Gary Halpin for Garrett Power.

Barrett said afterwards: "She only got 3 pounds for winning the last day and came forward from that run.

"She is lazy but is honest as hell and we were hoping to win today to get her up a few pounds and run in the Premier Handicap on the Friday of Listowel next.

"Robbie (Downey) is top class - if I had 40 horses he'd be riding every one of them. He has a great brain and does what he is told and I can't speak highly enough of him."

STEWARDS REPORT

The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Empresario trained by Matthew J. Smith, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes