Gavin Ryan took full advantage of a chance spare ride as Little Camacho justified good support in division two of the Kilkenny Vehicle Centre Apprentice Handicap at Gowran Park.

Ryan took over from Andrew Slattery who was sore following a fall at Down Royal yesterday evening, and the 4/1 favourite was close up throughout.

The Anthony McCann-trained filly travelled well early in the straight, and she looked set to record a convincing success when Ryan said go over a furlong out.

However Guiding plotted a wide path under Oisin Orr and it very nearly proved successful as she came home well on the stands’ side rail to get within a neck at the line. Trueba also kept on well to be just a further neck back in third.

McCann said, “I can't thank my owners enough as the horses were very sick for nine weeks and everyone of them stuck by me. A big thanks to all of them and the support they gave me through tough times. A big thanks to Patrick McCann and to Rita Shah who supported me through it.

“It's great for this wee filly. We always thought a lot of her. She was fit to win off that mark. Her run, when she was drawn 17 at Fairyhouse, was a good run.

“Hopefully we can get into a race in Galway next week. We'll see if there is a race there for her.”

(GC & AM)