Rapid Applause is finally back in No.1

Rapid Applause bridged a lengthy gap since his only previous win on debut as a two-year-old when landing the Racing Again May 1st Handicap at Naas.

Leigh Roche gave the five-year-old gelding a patient ride in this six-furlong event and collared Mizaah who was also drawn high, inside the final 100 yards.

The 9/1 shot went on to score by half a length, with St Brelades Bay a further two and a half lengths away in third.

Winning trainer Michael O’Callaghan said, “He was a very good two-year-old and then lost his way. He got a leg last year and has come a long way down the handicap for that. He was getting back into the swing of things at Dundalk, and ran an eye-catching race there the last day.

“He’s turning the corner now, and hopefully he won’t get too much for that and could win another one. He was always a nice horse and it has been a long road with him.

“It’s great for the owners who have had him all along.”