Knockmaole Boy landed the Vaughanshoes.ie Kate Appleby Apprentice Handicap at Ballinrobe today, scoring on the third run for trainer Jim Culloty.

Ridden by Robbie Downey, the son of Echo Of Light improved to lead a furlong and a half out and in the end held on to beat Aimhirgin Lass

Afterwards Culloty stated “that’s his third run for me and he is a lovely consistent horse and has plenty options.

“He used to be very keen but is settling better now and is grand straightforward.”

The ex-jockey added “I’ve schooled him over hurdles: he is very very brave but I’m not very brave anymore! He could go jumping but we’ll leave him at the flat for now - he’s too brave.

“He is homebred by the owner (Johnny Byrne, from Duagh, Co Kerry).“

By Tom Weekes