Leonard is the Boy in form

Young Killian Leonard and Oiche Mhaith Boy were an in-form combination not for stopping as they landed the spoils for local trainer Kieran Purcell in the Family Fun Day June 19th Apprentice Handicap at Gowan.

Leonard had a winner at Limerick on Thursday on Dragon Khan and he was on the mark at Dundalk last night too aboard The Butche's Filly.

In the case of the Alhaarth gelding Oiche Mhaith Boy, he was also victorious at that aforementioned Greenmount Park fixture two days back.

Like Niven earlier, the busy spell proved no barrier to success for Oiche Mhaith Boy as he stayed on too powerfully for Prussian Eagle by three lengths. He was a popular winner as the 7/4 favourite.

"I suppose he's due a break now!" said Purcell.

"He loves the soft ground and that's why he ran today as the ground is going to dry out at some point. Thankfully it stayed nice for us.

"If the ground changes he'll go on a break for the summer. If it stays like that we might keep him going but if not he'll go out to grass and hopefully be back for Listowel."

The Stewards interviewed T.P. Madden, rider of Prussian Eagle, concerning his use of the whip in this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards were of the opinion that the rider was in breach of Regulation 10.3(f), in that he used the whip with excessive frequency and having considered his record, suspended him for two race days.

Owing to ground conditions, the Stewards granted permission for races five, six and seven to be started by flag.

(GC & EM)