Barnhill battles to land apprentice race

Barnhill Rose just held on to claim victory in the apprentice handicap at Gowran and then survived a stewards enquiry to be confirmed the winner of the mile contest.

The Denis Hogan-trained filly had been runner-up on her most recent start at Roscommon and gained a deserved win this afternoon.

Siobhan Rutledge produced the 5/1 shot to take a narrow lead inside the final furlong and held the renewed challenge of Pinball Wizard at the line to secure a short-head victory.

“She's very consistent, always runs her race but doesn't always get her head in front,” said Hogan.

“After the last day in Roscommon she deserved that. Siobhan was brilliant on her, the two of them went hard but she judged it perfectly. She let them go, didn't panic, and picked them up when it was time to do so.

“It's unfortunate for Sean, who is our apprentice. He had the choice to ride this one but rode for his uncle, he was loyal to the family and he'll get another day.

“I'm delighted for Pat Kelly and his family, he picked up her up cheap in Doncaster a couple of years ago and she's paying her way for him.

“She is what she is but she always runs her race and can hopefully pick up something similar before the season is over.”