Maricruz dug deep to land the spoils in the Bohermeen Apprentice Handicap at Navan this afternoon.

The John McConnell-trained mare has a tendency to be slowly away from the gates but Siobhan Rutledge soon got her into a prominent position in the ten furlong contest today.

She was in front turning for home and the 11/1 shot stuck on gamely in the closing stages to hold Sea Trout Reach by half a length.

Rutledge said afterwards:- “She's very tough. We've been having a bit of trouble with her in the stalls but she overcame that today and I was able to make it.

“She's won around here making it like that before so it was great to get her back to the way she used to run.

“She's very hardy, likes the track and is quite versatile on all different sorts of ground.

“There are a good group of lads involved with her, they've knocked a bit of craic out of her and I'm delighted for them as they've been great supporters of mine.”