Downey and Doc a good team

Robbie Downey and Doc Holliday burst through to win the seven furlong apprentice handicap at the Curragh for Eddie Lynam.

Plenty held chances deep inside the final furlong but Doc Holliday finished strongly to win by a length and three quarter at 12/1. The Dancing Lord ran a good race on the far rail as he kept on to be second at 13/2. He was as big as 12/1 this morning. Yava was always to the fore, but gave best late on. He finished third at 11/2.

Eddie Lynam said: “Robbie gave him a very good ride and his claim is down to five now. His owner can be difficult [his wife Aileen!]. The horses are in good form and this has been a lucky race for us, we've won it two years in-a-row now.”

Eddie Lynam won this race last year with Iron Major who again ran in this renewal. He was sent off the 5/1 favourite but finished seventh. Lynam’s apprentice Downey has eight winners for the season and this was his 20th career victory.

Additional reporting by Donal Murphy