Dawson off the mark on Explorer

Raymond Dawson (a 16-year-old from Celbridge, County Kildare) registered the first winner of his career on only his second ride when he guided Polar Explorer to a two length success in the Derrinstown Stud Apprentice Handicap.

The youngster, switched the well-bred 10/1 shot out to deliver his challenge inside the final quarter mile and the four times previously raced second time handicap runner, dropping considerably in distance, stayed on well to see off top-weight Faynita

Winning trainer, Charles O'Brien, said of the Painestown Syndicate's gelding: "He did it well enough but it was an ordinary contest. Raymond came to us during his summer holidays and only signed on this year. He now thinks he is Frankie Dettori!"