Blastofmagic just prevails for Coakley & Joyce

Blastofmagic just got the better of Haqeeba in the Follow Naas Racecourse On Twitter Apprentice Handicap.

Successful on his penultimate start at Dundalk, the Adrian Joyce trained four-year-old since finished seventh to Danz Gift at the all-weather venue.

Having opened at 20/1 on-course, the son of Hellvelyn eventually went off at 16s under Ross Coakley for the Dalton & Joyce Partnership.

Settled behind the leaders, he came with his challenge from the furlong pole and had a great battle with Haqeeba (10s to 7s on-course) from there, with just a short head separating them at the line.

Daniel Redmond was aboard the runner-up for Liam Lennon, while Ahundrednotout (25/1) was another length and a quarter back in third. Coto was sent off the 11/2 favourite (from 13/2 on-course), and he finished an unlucky fourth, staying on strongly in the closing stages after losing a considerable amount of ground at the start.

"My horses weren't right and I haven't had any runners in a long time," said Joyce.

"Even when he ran the last day he wasn't right. When he won the first day I thought he'd go and win a few races in a row but he obviously wasn't right.

"He was back to himself today so we'll tip away with him now. We have a few nice two-year-old's to run and we're back in shape again.

"He'll run again at Tipperary next Thursday. There is a five furlong in the same rating again.

"He loved the ground and Ross gave him a super ride. He just does enough but he did enough today."

Additional reporting by Gary Carson