Presence gains quick compensation for recent defeat

Narrowly denied in a tight finish at Bellewstown on Thursday, the Jessica Harrington trained Presence stepped up two places to win the Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Apprentice Handicap at the Curragh.

Jockey Keithen Kennedy kept in simple on the 7/4 market leader, tracking race leader Nahori before taking over in front with over a furlong left to run.

Having mastered that rival, the three-year-old stayed on strongly to score by three-and-a-quarter lengths with Hurricane Helen keeping on for minor honours.

Kennedy said: “She was good, she relaxed well for me and we got a lovely two into the race. Rory (Mulligan) went along a nice gallop, I picked him up at the two and she went on and did it well.

“The track didn't really suit her in Bellewstown, she got a bit unbalanced coming down over the road and it probably didn't help her but she was good there today.

“For a not an overly big filly she needs a nice track. She saw out the trip well and I'd say she'll have no problem going a mile-and-a-quarter.”

Additional reporting by Gary Carson.