Herculaneum strikes for Kelly & Woods

Winning hurdler Herculaneum spreadeagled the field in the the Tote Apprentice Handicap as he gained a first Flat success at odds of 12/1.

The six-year-old, a winner at Naas in March and third on his most recent Flat start at Tramore, raced in midfield for Sorcha Woods before moving into a prominent position on the run downhill towards the elbow. In front two furlongs out, he was soon ridden clear and stayed on well to defeat Virtual Hug by seven and a half lengths.

It was a first winner of the season for 7lb claimer Woods.

Winning trainer Noel Kelly said: "That was a fair ride! My wee girl rides him at home every day and every time we go to the beach she sweetens him up and keeps kidding him on. I said we would maybe put a lady jockey on him. She did brilliantly today. Maybe the blinkers worked as well.

"He's a grand wee horse to have in the yard, an honest tryer.

"The syndicate is all local people beside us and it is is a local horse. It is a great result. I have these owners as long as any I have, maybe 15 years.

"There is a race to suit him maybe at the backend of Galway next week. He is a good wee horse to run fresh, so I will make up my mind next week. A day out in Galway for an owner is always a good day."

Quotes from Michael Graham