Apache doubles up for Hughes

Apache Jack burst between horses to give trainer Dessie Hughes a first and last race double at Fairyhouse today.

Thekingofconnemara made the running in the concluding bumper but was headed early in the straight by Waylander

He was soon pressed by easy-to-back favourite Sizing Chile who was as short as 2/5 this morning and drifted to 9/10 after opening 4/6 on course.

The market leader struggled to get to the new leader and the pair were both trumped at the furlong pole as Apache Jack came with a strong run.

Johnny King kept his mount going well in the closing stages to record a length success. Sizing Chile got up in the closing stages to finish runner-up.

The winner had run well without troubling the front two when third in a Leopardstown maiden hurdle over Christmas.

“He's got a lovely pedigree and will be a staying hurdler next season,” said Hughes.

“He needs every yard of that trip. We may go for another bumper then go hurdling in the autumn. He's a nice prospect.”

Hughes had also been responsible for turning over an odds-on shot when Art Of Logistics claimed the opening conditions hurdle as 1/4 shot Waaheb finished third.

(Additional reporting by Alan Magee)