Dutch Schaefer grabs her opportunity

Second-reserve Dutch Schaefer sprang a 28/1 shock in the apprentice handicap at Roscommon.

She got a run and was back down to her last winning mark of 58.

Sean Bowen had her on the heels of the leader Hands Down on the approach to the straight and she went on as the race developed a furlong and a half out.

A whole host of horses held chances as the field flashed past the furlong pole, but Dutch Schaefer toughed it out best for Bowen. Princess Sela who took a stumble leaving the stalls which put her on the back foot, finished strongly to lose out by a neck at 6/1. She was just a nose in front of third-placed Coviglia (6/1).

The next three gaps were a nose, a head and a head as the first six finished in a bunch.

Trainer Denis Hogan said: "I was delighted when I got a call this morning that the two of them were getting in.

“I probably thought the other horse (first-reserve Rocket Carnival who finished ninth) might have a bit more pace to come through.

“Her two wins last year were on heavy and that's her ground. She had been working quite well lately, Sean takes off a few pounds as well and she was down to her winning mark.

“She's no star but she's honest and she gives everything.

“She was in Bellewstown on Thursday but I didn't declare her on the quick ground. She's in there again in a claimer on Friday and we'll see what the weather does.”

The Stewards requested a report from Denis Gerard Hogan, trainer as to the apparent improvement in form of Dutch Schaefer (GB), placed first, as compared with its recent form. Denis Gerard Hogan reported that his benefitted from the return to soft ground and this in his opinion brought about the apparent improvement in form. Having considered the evidence the Stewards noted the content of the report.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson