Royal Approval in the form of his life

At this time of year it isn't unusual to see horses successfully making quick reappearances but anyone that saw Royal Approval have a tough race to win the Pat O'Hare Bookmakers Rosebank Hurdle at Downpatrick yesterday may have doubted his ability to handle another assignment in the Connolly's Audi Handicap at Ballinrobe.

However the nine-year-old emphatically silenced any non-believers as he got to the front under two furlongs out and stretched clear from a furlong out to comfortably beat Torina (coming home well) by twelve lengths. In-form apprentice, Shane Foley was in the plate.

Winning trainer John McConnell, said, "He's as tough as nails and I can't believe how far he has won. His handicap mark is probably gone now on the flat and he will more than likely go back chasing." (EM)