Jim Culloty's Blue Bounty prevailed in the Cork Racecourse Apprentice Handicap under Sean Davis much to the delight of owners the Forever Optimists Syndicate.

The Bahamian Bounty chestnut certainly didn't go un-backed at odds of 8/1 (much bigger in earlier trading) and he got the better of Hatton Cross and Pillar by half a length and three parts of a length.

There was just a short head back to Burren View Lady in fourth.

"We bought him in Newmarket for four grand for a syndicate who just wanted a fun horse and didn't have aspirations of going to Cheltenham," revealed Culloty.

"They (Forever Optimists Syndicate, from Killarney) bought him as a fun horse who could run fairly often for the summer and Oisin Murphy (jockey), my nephew, and I went through the form book and picked him out.

"He'll go for something similar next and he'll provide them with plenty of fun."

The Stewards interviewed S.P. Davis, rider of Blue Bounty (GB), concerning his use of the whip in this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards were of the opinion that S.P.Davis was in breach of Regulation 10.3(e), in that he used the whip in an area short of the hind quarters and having considered his clean record, cautioned him concerning his future responsibilities in this regard.

The Stewards requested a report from J.H. Culloty, trainer as to the apparent improvement in form of Blue Bounty (GB), placed first, as compared with its recent form. The trainer reported that his charge disappointed on his last start at the Curragh, when missing the break. He added that his charge broke well today, which helped his charge show improved form. Having considered the report the Stewards noted it's content.

(TW & EM)