Woodrow was an inspired and successful gamble at Dundalk today, as he cast aside poor form to win the Dundalkstadium.com Apprentice Handicap (div II), having been backed on the show from 20/1 to 6/1.

Claimed by his trainer Leanne Breen for €13,000 after winning a Leopardstown Claimer last August, the son of Ivawood was out of form in recent times and had beaten just six horses in his three previous course outings before today's race.

Ridden by able apprentice Scott McCullagh today, Woodrow produced a fine battling effort to beat Maccliff by half a length.

It was the first successful northern raid of the year by a horse carrying form-figures of '0000', and Newry based Breen later explained “the horses were a bit in and out of form all over the winter but they all seem to be bouncing back now.

“He's a good horse and he works well at home, it's nice to get his head in front.

“I also had Ahundrednotout for Patrick (Gallagher, owner) and he won here around this time last year. That's two horses I've had for him now and both have won.

“Hopefully this lad can kick on now. He's back in on Wednesday and hopefully he comes out of this alright. He'll have a morning down at the beach to cool his legs and hopefully he can go again.”

Quotes from Gary Carson