Promising young apprentice Nicola Burns lost her 10lb claim after partnering the Dick Donoghue trained Autocrat to win the Norma Crowe 1 Year Memorial Apprentice Handicap at Dundalk.

Following initial wins on Genuine Jim and Sporting Hero, the daughter of trainer Robbie Burns now sees her claim reduced to 7lb going forward.

Twice a course and distance winner prior to tonight, the four-year-old Autocrat was having just his third start for present connections.

On the front end throughout, in a race where it paid to race prominently, Autocrat came stands side early in the home straight.

Pushed along over a furlong out, the 16/1 chance headed Hurricane Helen in the dying strides to record a neck success.

Dick Donohoe said: "She (Burns) is very good, she picked a lovely position and she has a lot of talent. She's great value and I think she has lost the 10lb (claim). She is still very good value.

"She kept him rolling in the final furlong, she was in the right place everywhere there. Great to see someone like her coming through.

"I don't think he is that easy a ride insofar as he can be behind the bridle, but he travelled sweetly there today. I thought he mightn't over that trip.

"Delighted for the owner too, he put his hand up and claimed him here out of a claimer a month or so ago."

Additional reporting by Michael Graham.