King makes winning start on Precious

Connor King got off the mark at the first time of asking when Precious Stone gave the 16-year-old Kanturk lad his first racecourse victory in the apprentice contest at Leopardstown.

King has been a leading light on the pony racing scene and showed composure when guiding the Galileo filly to a convincing two-and-a-half length success.

David Wachman 's charge hit the front with under a furlong to run and stayed on strongly in the closing stages. Benzoldan edged the runner-up spot from Quench The Flame

The winner, a full-sister to Beresford winner Battle Of Marengo, was following up her maiden victory at Dundalk last month.

"He's a very nice lad and gave her a really good ride for someone having their first ride on the track," said Wachman of the winning jockey.

"He did everything right and could have a future."

On the filly the winning trainer added:-"She's been in good form and we've been very happy with her since she won at Dundalk."