Oliver 1,3 in Galway Apprentice Handiap

The strong market-leader Todd may have shaped well from the front in the Galway Apprentice Handicap but it's all about getting home and Stephen Hero saw it out best to prevail under Mayo native Conor Hoban.

Hoban was asking for more from the Celtic Swing (recently had a couple of bumper winners in Celtic Fashion and If Not For You) gelding from some way out.

To his credit the victorious three-year-old took the lead from Todd early in the straight and from there he went on to hold Ancient Sands (his rider Shane B Kelly got a 5-day whip ban for using his stick above shoulder height) by half a length.

Andy Oliver trains Stephen Hero and his other runner Stony Grey (Ray Dawson) took the third spot two lengths further back.

The Tyrone handler said: "He was tough and he won it well.

"Conor gave him a great ride and he's a versatile horse ground wise.

"He seems to be improving and we'll see what the handicapper does now.

"I was delighted with the third horse as well. He ran a nice race." (DM & EM)