Links shows that Star quality

Cavan trainer Shane Donohoe saddled two runners in the mile handicap at Limerick, and the race could hardly have panned out much better as Star Links landed the spoils under champion apprentice Ronan Whelan.

The 8/1 winner’s stablemate Beau Amadeus cut out the pace, and the top-weight still held the call until headed by his stable-companion at the furlong pole.

Whelan’s mount soon asserted and was driven clear to score by four lengths from Maundy Money (7/1), with Treasure The Ridge (8/1) three quarters of a length further away in third.

Beau Amadeus (20/1) dropped back to fourth at the line, while fifth-placed Jackemil stumbled and fell just after the line. Both rider Ben Curtis and the four-year-old filly were unscathed.

Donohoe said afterwards, “Gerry Dolan owner of the Westminster Arms in London city centre owns him and I told him he'd a good chance today.

"He has been a grand servant, and has won eight races now. Ronan was excellent on him, and he does exactly what you say to him."

Whelan, already with five winners in the bag this season, said, “He travelled great for me the whole way, and when I gave him a squeeze he put the race to bed fairly quickly. He’s a tempermental horse, and on a going day he’s very good."

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes