The Johnny Murtagh trained Eighty Eight made it fourth time lucky at the County Kilkenny track when winning the Ladies Day July 23rd Apprentice Handicap at Gowran Park.

Runner-up on his first two starts at this venue, he disappointed last time but showed that run to be all wrong here.

Jockey Danny Sheehy was content to hold the gelding up at the rear of the field before making a move after the turn for home.

Sheehy saved ground up the rail and his mount caught the eye travelling easily as the race unfolded. Having quickened up to get to the lead, he held the late challenge of Urban Oasis to win with something in hand.

Danny Sheehy, “The step up in trip suited. He’s a big, fresh horse and I think it has taken a while for the penny to drop with him.

“I gave him a chance and they went a good honest gallop. I got plenty of cover and he came home well when he got plenty of daylight.

“It was lucky the way it opened up for me. He travelled like a dream the whole way around and when the gap came I had to take it.

“He would be better with a bit of juice in the ground.”

Additional reporting by Alan Magee