Nineteen year old RACE graduate Nicola Walsh is another to flag the flag for the under pressure and currently cancelled state-funded, partnering her first winner at Roscommon today, on the John McConnell trained Parc Aux Boules in the Derrinstown Stud Apprentice Handicap.

Walsh raced the son of Royal Applause in mid-division before producing him to lead inside the final furlong, for a length and a quarter win over Baladiene.

Afterwards a delighted Walsh stated “I’ve a background in riding ponies but graduated from RACE around four years ago. I then went to Frances Crowley on placement before going to James Leavy for two years – I’ve been working for John McConnell for 18 months now.”

McConnell added “I’m delighted for Nicola as she is a very good rider and I’ll give her as many opportunities as I can.”

He added “Parc Aux Boules is in again at Ayr on Thursday but will only run if it rains."