Halpin rides first winner for Elliott on Enzani

Enzani on his third start for Gordon Elliott, justified plenty of market support in the second divide of the Gowran Park Apprentice Handicap.

Twice successful over flights in the UK last summer when trained by John McConnell, the seven-year-old son of Cape Cross was bought for E13,000 at Goffs in October.

Ninth and fifth on his first two outing for Elliott, the bay victor was available at 5/1 in early shows for this extended mile and one contest.

Having gone as short as 7/4, he opened on-course at 5/2, before going off the 9/4 favourite in the colours of Shane Reville & Margaret Smyth.

Settled in fifth by Gary Halpin, he took closer order on the outer from early in the straight, and came with his challenge from the two furlong pole.

He got to the front just inside the final furlong, and kept on well from there to score comfortably by two lengths. Invincible Queen (8s into 11/2) finished second under Ross Coakley for Mark Fahey, while 10/1 chance Sleepy Head was half a length back in third.

"He's a grand horse. He is what he is in that sort of race and going a mile-and-a-quarter and a mile-and-a-half will bring out the best in him again," said Halpin.

"It's great to get a winner for Gordon, he's been good to me. That's my first winner for him, I've had plenty of rides for him but I just hadn't got one of the board so thankfully I got one.

"The draw, on paper, you'd say was a negative but to be fair to his owner, Shane, he's good with statistics and he said really the best thing was to come up the stand's side as statistically it's best to come up there later in the evening.

"He had a look and was probably more looking for a bit of company, it would have helped if something could have come with me.

"I loved to see him winning another one or two for his owner."

STEWARDS REPORT

The Stewards interviewed B.M. Coen, rider of Sleepy Head, concerning his use of the whip in the latter stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned, who gave his evidence in the presence of Mr. M. Crosse. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards found the rider in breach of Reg. 10 3.(f) by using his whip with excessive force and frequency and having taken his good record into account suspended him for one race day.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson