Shane Foley and Akinspirit sprinted away from the field in the gloomy conditions at Wexford to score for Michael Butler in the apprentice handicap.

The seven-year-old son of Invincible Spirit showed a clean pair of heels coming into the home straight and powered clear of Legendary Times and the treble-seeking Joseph O’Brien.

The 4/1 shot came home a length and three parts to the good over the 2/1 favourite. Sir Cecil’s Girl at 33/1 was four and a half lengths back in third as the front two slipped the field.

Winning trainer Michael Butler, who trains in Mullinavat, Co Kilkenny, said: “He’s a summer horse and his season is nearly over now.

“Things went in his favour today. He might go to Killarney next week but I’m not sure. He’s a fast ground horse.

“His owner, Fred Salter, owns Ballon Meats in Co Carlow.”

Weather conditions deteriorated in this race with heavy rain and mist closing in.

Michael Graham