Bolger & Whelan take the opener

The opening race of the afternoon at Leopardstown, the Derrinstown Stud Apprentice Handicap, went to the Ronan Whelan ridden, Jim Bolger trained Manaaqeb

The 5yo filly, who was making her handicap debut, made all and didn't give her rivals a look in as she raced away to a three and a half length win at the line. The 9/4fav, Rock On Ciara tried to wear down the winner coming up the home straight but she never got near. Lily's Star for Harry Rogers and Leigh Roche ran on to take third a further three parts of a length back.

Winning trainer Jim Bolger said afterwards, "She has a nice pedigree and will make a good broodmare. Things didn't work out for her at Roscommon and she might not have liked the ground there."

Donal Murphy