Olympic Honour gains deserved win for Nicholson

John Nicholson enjoyed a welcome change of fortune as Olympic Honour made all in the BetVictor Proudly Supporting Irish Racing Handicap at Gowran Park.

The French-bred, who was just denied here earlier this month, took this extended nine-furlong event by the scruff of the neck after breaking quickly from stalls and was tough for Andrew Slattery when strongly pressed inside the final furlong.

The 8/1 chance held on gamely by half a length from Engles Rock with Winiata the same distance further back in third.

Nicholson, who trains near Johnstown, Co Kilkenny, said “He deserved that. He’s a tough little horse and we’re getting good fun out of him. It’s nice to get a winner at the local track.

“Andy gave him a right good ride and I knew he was better than he was the last day. I told him to jump out and make the best of his way home.

“We’ll go now to the Apprentice Derby in the Curragh. I hope Andy can ride him and I’d say he’ll stay a mile and a half no problem. A little ease in the ground probably suits him as well.

“It’s six months since I had a winner so that’s very welcome.”