Apprentice jockey Robbie Downey received strong praise from winning trainer Eddie Lynam following the pair’s win with Captain Power in the Longines Irish Champions Weekend Handicap at Leopardstown today, as connections gained compensation for a recent Naas demotion.

The son of Captain Rio was first-past-the-post at Naas ten days ago but, due to an in-running incident, was demoted in favour of Dark Alliance.

Today Downey produced Captain Power from off the pace to edge to the front close home for a neck win over Great Wide Open

Lynam later said “I’m not just saying it because he’s my stable apprentice but I thought he gave that horse a bloody good ride.

“He doesn’t do anything in front as you could see at Naas the last day, and I told Robbie to come later than late today - I’m just glad that I’m a trainer and he’s a jockey!

“I’m also delighted for the owner (Sabina Power) as she’s up in her box but didn’t come down as she has a broken hip. It’s also her birthday today.”

By Tom Weekes, quotes from Alan Magee